Manuel Rodríguez

VO₂max is quite important. However, it doesn’t tell the whole story… VO₂max is one of our most powerful markers of cardiorespiratory fitness, integrating the ability of the lungs, heart, circulation and muscles to deliver and use oxygen. But ultimately, oxygen has to reach the cell and mitochondria, where metabolism and energy production happen. Exercise profoundly adapts mitochondrial function, oxidative capacity, substrate utilization, metabolic flexibility and lactate metabolism. I have spent much of my career studying lactate and cellular bioenergetics. Lactate is not a waste product: it is a major fuel and signaling molecule, and its kinetics provide an indirect window into what is happening at the mitochondrial level. Lactate is a great proxy for mitochondrial function. Also, Increased lactate clearance capacity is associated with greater mitochondrial content and oxidative capacity. VO₂max and Lactate are complementary, not competing parameters. #VO2max #Lactate #Mitochondria #MetabolicHealth Longevity