VO2 max, often considered the gold standard for endurance athletes, may be less reliable than previously thought. Some experts now argue that focusing solely on VO2 max is an oversimplification of endurance performance.

• UTMB coach Scott Johnston believes VO2 max is the least reliable indicator of distance running performance, suggesting lactate threshold is superior.

• A study indicated that recreational endurance runners with high baseline heart rate variability (HRV) showed greater performance improvements compared to those with low HRV.

The dream of extending human lifespan with a simple pill continues to entice researchers and investors, but the reality is proving complex. Metformin’s potential is being tested, but lifestyle changes and alternative strategies are also under consideration.

• Metformin extended lifespan by only 5% in male mice at low doses, while higher doses shortened lifespan.

• Diabetics taking metformin lived 15% longer than healthy individuals without diabetes, though this study has received criticism.

Can your Oura Ring really tell the difference between settling in for a night of deep slumber and settling in with a good book? Apparently not, as the Oura Ring can overestimate sleep latency by as much as 5 minutes compared to the gold standard of polysomnography. Is your Oura Ring’s “unbiased” data actually just misinterpreting your evening wind-down routine as a sign of poor sleep, ultimately turning your bedtime ritual into a data-driven anxiety spiral?

I used to chase the VO2 max dragon, convinced that mythical “plateau” was the gateway to unlocking peak performance. Hours spent gasping on treadmills, willing my lungs to defy their genetic destiny. Turns out, I was likely just a victim of bad science and worse protocols.

The VO2 Max Mirage

The exercise physiology establishment has long peddled the idea that a plateau in oxygen uptake during a VO2 max test – that moment when you’re running harder but not breathing more – is the gold standard for verifying maximal effort. But a growing body of evidence suggests this so-called plateau is about as real as a unicorn riding a unicycle. In fact, a study of world-class cyclists revealed that 47% didn’t even exhibit this elusive plateau. Are we really suggesting nearly half of elite athletes are somehow failing to reach their true VO2 max?

Imagine yourself ten years from now. Are you thriving in a career you’re passionate about, one that challenges you intellectually and allows you to make a tangible difference in people’s lives? The field of kinesiology and health sciences is exploding, fueled by a growing awareness of the importance of movement and preventative healthcare. If you’re looking for a path that combines science, human interaction, and the power to impact well-being, Alma College’s Kinesiology and Health Sciences (KHS) program might just be your launchpad.