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Q&A: What is VO2 Max and why is it important?
What is VO2 Max and why is it important?
VO2 max is the highest rate of O2 use that can be achieved at maximal exertion; in other words, the maximum amount of O2 that your body can extract or utilize.
For the general population, VO2 max will predict general performance for endurance activity. After the age of 30, if activity level stays constant, VO2 max will decrease about 1% per year regardless of fitness level. It’s important to note that elderly people require a VO2 max of around 20 ml/Kg to remain independent. A well structured program can bring most people to this level of fitness within three months, while a six month well structured and individualized program can increase VO2 max by about 20%.
To improve your VO2 max, you need to do cardiovascular training to improve Stroke Volume (the volume of blood pumped from the heart each beat) and to improve your muscles ability to extract and utilize the oxygen they receive.
Nutrition Tip: boost your immunity
With kids back in school germs are flying and as the weather chills the last thing you want to do is battle a cold. In order to prevent and fight infection, your body needs an army of immunity boosting foods and nutrients. Probiotics are a great way to help boost your immunity by ensuring a balance between good and bad bacteria in the gut. Many yogurts, and some other products, contain probiotics.
Other nutrients experts believe have infection-fighting properties include garlic, ginseng and aloe vera (studies are being done to better understand the role of these nutrients). As always, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and always get a good night of sleep!
Studio Closure: Thanksgiving
Please note the following changes in our hours of operation for the upcoming statutory holiday:
Saturday, October 12th:
7:00AM—3:00PM
(Regular Hours)
Sunday, October 13th + Monday, October 14th:
(CLOSED)
Tuesday, October 15th:
6:00AM—8:30PM
(Regular Hours)
Have an amazing long weekend!
Thank you,
The Body & Soul Team
Consultations at Body & Soul
Find out how we can help you achieve YOUR goals
Are you, or is someone you know, interested in personal training? Are you one of the many Canadians who has never stepped foot in a fitness studio? Are you under the impression that most personal trainers embody drill sergeants? Have no fear; Body & Soul Consultations are here! Come down and see the studio, meet the staff and sit down with one of our personal trainers for a complimentary consultation and learn how we can help you achieve your health and fitness goals.
During one of our 60-minute consultations, you can expect to:
– develop health and fitness goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely
– find out how we can help you achieve these goals through personalized training programs
– discuss your past fitness experience
– identify your training style preference
– identify what motivates you and what causes you stress
Why should I have a consultation?
We recognize that choosing a fitness studio can be a big commitment and we want you to be confident in your choice. Taking the time to talk to a trainer and develop a strong, trusting relationship is critical in achieving your goals. Learn about our studio, meet our trainers and find out how we can help you on your road to optimal health.
If you know someone that would benefit from a consultation or if you haven’t trained in a while, call us (604-224-BODY) and book a consultation today!
Fit Tip: Get moving and improve your health
The relationship between physical activity and its physiological benefits is a dose response relationship, which means that the more volume of physical activity you do (kcal/week) the greater the percentage of potential improvements.
The greatest increase in health benefits are experienced at lower volumes of physical activity and gradually increase with more volume of physical activity. However, once a certain point of volume is exceeded, in regards to physical activity, the increase in health improvements is minimal. These health improvements can be seen in triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and body composition, high density lipoproteins (HDL or good fats). It doesn’t take much work to significantly improve your health, so get moving!