Rankings / Protocols — Movement

VO2 max / HIIT

Protocols · Movement

Tier A-

mitochondrial
7.9 / 10
Tier A-
Ev 8.0 Bn 8.0 Sf 7.0 Ax 9.0

What this is

Mandsager 2018 JAMA Network Open: elite CRF associated with 80% reduction in all-cause mortality vs low CRF. Every 1 MET increase in CRF = ~10-15% mortality reduction. Probably the strongest single exercise signal.

Mechanism

Maximal oxygen consumption is strongly inversely correlated with all-cause mortality; HIIT improves VO2 max faster than steady-state; mitochondrial density and cardiac output adaptations

Dose & route

1-2 sessions/week; e.g., Norwegian 4x4 (4 min high / 3 min recovery × 4); Tabata; 30:30 intervals

This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.