oxygen consumption (VO2)

Oxygen consumption (VO2) refers to the amount of oxygen your body uses during physical activity or at rest. It reflects how efficiently your muscles and organs utilize oxygen to produce energy. When you exercise, your muscles require more oxygen to sustain effort, causing VO2 to increase. Measuring VO2 helps assess cardiovascular and respiratory fitness, showing how well your body delivers and uses oxygen. It’s usually expressed in milliliters per minute or per kilogram of body weight, providing insights into your overall health, endurance, and physical performance.