Take It To The Max

A new study reveals the best type of interval session to boost your VO2 max.

- RICK PEARSON

VO2 MAX is considered to be the gold standard when it comes to assessing your aerobic fitness. It represents the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during intense exercise. While some of your VO₂ max is dictated by your genes- thanks, Mom and Dad runners can increase theirs through the right training. But what is the best form of training to boost your VO2 max? That's what a recent study* set out to establish. It found that when participants completed 4x4 minutes of high-intensity exercise at 95% of their maximum heart rate with three-minute active breaks between repeats - it was particularly beneficial. Runners who followed this type of training over an eight-w