VO2 numbers (Was: Weights or running or both?)

[Guest guest]

,

Interesting VO2 numbers, but these are based on ml of oxygen per kg of

bodyweight. Obviously one would expect powerlifters to be a far greater

bodyweight than a marathon runner; perhaps it would be more relevant to examine

the gross VO2 levels, afterall, structure determines function.

Pedrick.

Adelaide

South Australia

=======================

sregor99 wrote:

Here are some VO2 numbers I dug out for strength and power athletes.

The study is a bit old but I could not find anything more up to date,

but there probably is.

Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol. 1984;53(2):97-105. Neuromuscular,

anaerobic, and aerobic performance characteristics of elite power

athletes. Hakkinen K, Alen M, Komi PV.

These are the averages in the range. VO2 is the accepted measure of

cardiorespiratory fitness. (mg/kg/minute)

Wrestlers -- 57.8

Bodybuilders -- 50.8

Powerlifters -- 41.9

From my own knowledge, give or take a few points:

Amateur endurance runners are usually in the range 60-70.

Elite endurance athletes 75-85

Elite running team sports 65-70

Amateur team sports 55-65

VO2 is related to health for a number of end points, eg,

cardiovascular, diabetes, some cancers, and at the micro level, HDL,

CRP/inflammation, and a few other emerging things.

Of the strength and power athletes, it's clear to see that the

wrestlers are in reasonably good shape, 58 is a good level of

fitness. Boxers are going to be somewhere over 60 I would think.

So, if you're interested in cardiorespiratory fitness, perhaps the

lesson here is that you have to move your legs, and the more you

move, the fitter you get. And I accept that VO2 is only one measure

of fitness. Strength is another. Get both. (IMHO :-).

Gympie, Australia

>

> Do both or at least some form of CV training (swim, walk, bike,). If

> you read the series of books by Ken most of his findings

about

> aerobic exercise are still valid today. In one of his books (I Can't

> remember for sure which) he cites a study about aerobic fitness and

HDL

> levels. The higher the level of fitness the higher the HDLs ( " good "

> cholesterol). Which in turn relates to the Framinghan study that

> basically says the higher propotion of HDLs the lower your risk for

> cardiovascular disease. The good news is even modest amounts of

aerobic

> exercise casn bring improvement in HDL levels. Just stay active and

> have fun.

>

> Ray

> **Don't forget to sign all letters with full name and city of

residence if you wish them to be published!**