Cardio vs Strength vs VO2 Max

The training-type debate: aerobic fitness, muscle, or both — and which metric best predicts how long you live.

The top 3

  1. VO2 Max Is the Strongest Predictor: Among 122,007 patients, low cardiorespiratory fitness carried a bigger death risk than smoking or diabetes — and the benefit had no ceiling.
  2. Strength Training's Quiet Dividend: Just 30-60 minutes of muscle work per week is tied to 10-17% lower all-cause mortality — no gym marathon required.
  3. Doing Both Wins: People who combine aerobic and strength work show lower mortality than those who do either one alone.

Sources

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