Aerobic capacity

Aerobic capacity is the maximum rate of oxygen uptake the body can sustain to produce ATP via oxidative metabolism during prolonged exercise. Per the Fick equation (VO2 = Q × (a-v)O2), it is governed by oxygen delivery (cardiac output, hemoglobin, capillary supply) and muscle extraction (mitochondrial function), and is most often quantified as VO2max. Higher aerobic capacity supports endurance, faster recovery, and metabolic resilience, and tracks closely with healthspan and reduced cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.