VO2 max is a measure of the maximum amount of oxygen your body can utilize during intense exercise. It reflects your aerobic fitness level and is often expressed in milliliters of oxygen used per minute per kilogram of body weight (ml/kg/min). Higher VO2 max values indicate better cardiovascular endurance and overall fitness. Athletes often aim to improve their VO2 max through training, as it can enhance performance in endurance sports like running, cycling, and swimming. Factors influencing VO2 max include genetics, age, sex, and training intensity. Regular aerobic exercise can help increase this important fitness metric.