Wonder how you can really boost your VO2 max? Here’s the VO2 max interval training session I developed based on analysis of many cycling races.
Numerous studies show that you can increase your VO2 max by working out at an intensity that raises your heart rate to. Marathon Training Program With Only. 10 Ways to Increase Your VO2 Max September 14, 2009. I do concede that VO2 max is an important factor in determining performance in training and racing. Work on your VO2 max number. One-Hour Workout: VO2 Max-Building Intervals. Is VO2 Max Dead? Chris Foster Training.
Do Increases in VO2max Cause Improved Performance? If you are an experienced runner then you have likely heard it many times – VO2max limits performance and increasing VO2max causes improvements in performance. This belief is both widely held and commonly promoted within the running community and has led to runners and coaches devising workouts specifically designed to increase VO2max. For example, Pfitzinger & Douglas, in their book Road Racing for Serious Runners, devote an entire chapter to training methods for improving VO2max and speed.(1) In the introduction to the chapter titled Training to Improve VO2max and Speed they write “Many serious runners know that improving VO2max, or aerobic capacity, is key to racing better.” and “In this chapter, we’ll show you why and how to improve the two main components of racing fitness that runners try to develop with hard workouts – VO2max and basic speed.” In their view VO2max isn’t just important, it is key to racing well. They spend much of the chapter explaining what VO2max is and prescribing workouts specifically designed to increase it.
Another example comes from Dr Jack Daniels in his book, Daniels Running Formula. He writes “To optimize VO2max, the runner must stress the oxygen delivery and processing system to its limit while performing the act of running. I assign a phase of interval trainingto accomplish this goal.”(2) Dr. Daniels thinks VO2max is important enough that he assigns an entire phase of training to optimizing VO2max. Uncharted Drake Fortune Pc.
Runners and coaches aren’t alone in this belief; exercise scientists believe it too. The link between VO2max and performance is strong enough that physiologists have conducted research studies designed to identify training techniques that will maximize VO2max.(3) Which, of course, brings us to an obvious question; what does the research have to say on the subject? After all, any physiological belief this strongly-held and generally taught must be supported by the research, right? Actually, no, it isn’t supported by the research.
“The term ‘VO2 max’ refers to the maximal volume of oxygen that can be inhaled and absorbed by a body.” But why is oxygen important for training? “It’s used to break down the carbs, fats and protein in your body into usable fuel for your muscles,” says Mckeegan. “If less oxygen is available than required, i.e. When riding harder than normal, the body has to find other ways of providing that fuel. A by-product of this is lactic acid, which will slow you down.