What Is VO₂ Max? Your Georgetown Chiropractor Explains How It Impacts Your Energy, Fitness, and Longevity

Have you ever wondered what makes elite athletes so efficient at using oxygen during exercise? The answer lies in a powerful fitness marker known as VO₂ max. But what is VO₂ max? Simply put, it refers to the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during intense physical activity (Harvard Health Publishing, 2024). This measure isn’t just for athletes—it’s a key indicator of your overall cardiovascular health, energy levels, and lifespan. At Thomas Back and Body in Georgetown, we use science-backed methods to help patients improve their physical capacity and stay strong for life.

What is VO₂ Max?

VO₂ max, or “maximal oxygen uptake,” represents your body’s ability to absorb, transport, and utilize oxygen during exercise. It’s typically measured in milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute (mL/kg/min). A higher VO₂ max means your heart and lungs are functioning efficiently to fuel your muscles with energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) (Healthline, 2025). In other words, the higher your VO₂ max, the more endurance and resilience you have in both daily life and physical activity.

Age, genetics, and lifestyle all influence your VO₂ max. However, consistent exercise, spinal health, and proper movement can all improve your oxygen efficiency. Dr Thomas, an expert Georgetown chiropractor, helps patients optimize posture and nervous system function, both of which play crucial roles in oxygen transport and energy performance.

The Link Between Chiropractic Care and VO₂ Max

Spinal alignment impacts more than just posture—it affects how your body breathes and circulates oxygen. Poor posture, especially forward head or rounded shoulders, can limit lung expansion and reduce oxygen intake. Chiropractic adjustments restore optimal spinal mobility, reducing tension and improving ribcage expansion during respiration (Levine, 2008). This improved breathing efficiency can indirectly support higher oxygen uptake and better VO₂ max over time.

Furthermore, when nerve interference is reduced through regular chiropractic care, your muscles and organs receive better communication signals from the nervous system. This enhanced coordination helps improve physical output, endurance, and recovery—key elements of cardiovascular and fitness performance.

How to Naturally Improve Your VO₂ Max

Beyond receiving regular chiropractic care, lifestyle changes can significantly elevate your VO₂ max:

• Incorporate interval training: Short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by recovery periods strengthen both heart and lung capacity.

• Focus on good posture: Keeping the spine aligned improves breathing mechanics and oxygen flow.

• Stay consistent with movement: Activities like swimming, brisk walking, and cycling train your body to use oxygen more efficiently.

At Thomas Back and Body, we guide patients in combining these strategies with individualized chiropractic adjustments that support better breathing, posture, and energy levels.

Book Your Appointment

Understanding and maximizing your VO₂ max is one of the most powerful steps you can take toward long-term vitality. Whether you want to enhance athletic performance or simply increase everyday energy, Dr. Thomas's treatment can help align your body for optimal function. Schedule your appointment with Thomas Back and Body today and discover how spinal health connects to improved oxygen efficiency, energy, and longevity.

References

Harvard Health Publishing. (2024, July 7). VO₂ max: What is it and how can you improve it? Harvard Medical School.

Levine, B. D. (2008). VO₂ max: What do we know, and what do we still need to know? The Journal of Physiology, 586(1), 25–34.

Healthline. (2025, April 11). VO₂ max: What it is and benefits of improving it. Retrieved from www.healthline.com.