Sustainable fitness corresponds with which VO2 level?

Sustainable fitness is often associated with the capacity to perform physical activity over extended periods without excessive fatigue. This quality is frequently measured in relation to specific thresholds in aerobic capacity, particularly the lactate thresholds.

The VO2 at LT1, or the first lactate threshold, represents a level of intensity where an individual can exercise steadily while still being able to clear lactate from the bloodstream effectively. This level is indicative of a person's aerobic endurance capacity, as it signifies the point at which the body starts to produce lactate but can still maintain equilibrium between production and clearance. It is at this level that individuals can sustain exercise for longer durations without leading to significant fatigue or an accumulation of lactate in the body.

In contrast, the other thresholds mentioned relate to higher intensity levels that may not align with sustainable, long-duration exercise. The VO2 at VO2max represents the maximum capacity for oxygen consumption, which is more of a measure of peak performance rather than sustainability. The VO2 at LT2 and the anaerobic threshold correspond to higher exercise intensities where lactate begins to accumulate rapidly, resulting in fatigue and an inability to maintain that intensity for long periods. Thus, VO2 at LT1 is the most appropriate measure of sustainable fitness since it indicates the