Originally Posted by
redlude97
V02max is pretty much genetics so not fitness IMO
VO2Max is trainable. Not pleasant, but it definitely can be improved.
I suspect XC skiers have a higher VO2Max beacause they are using more muscles. Put them on a bike and their VO2Max would likely go down. Conversely, put a top cyclist on skis and their VO2Max would go up once they had the skiing technique mastered.
Edit: For reference,
Linear increase in aerobic power induced by a strenuous program of endurance exercise. had subjects perform strenuous exercise 6 days/wk for 10 wks and found their VO2Max increased linearly. Not sure how long they could have continued because it's a relatively tough program but indicates that, in addition to genetics, there is a significant training component.
The average weekly increase in Vo2 max was 0.12 l/min. The total increase in Vo2 max averaged 16.8 ml/kg per min (44%). Four of the eight subjects attained Vo2 max levels approaching or exceeding 60 ml/kg per min. It appears from these results that aerobic work capacity can increase more rapidly and to a greater extent in response to training than has generally been thought.
