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aerobic capacity

The maximum amount of oxygen one can consume per minute. aka. "AeC"

  • Olbrecht: Aerobic capacity is the maximum amount of oxygen one can consume per minute. It is also called VO2max ... The higher the aerobic capacity, the better the performance in competition can be, and the faster the regeneration process after training and competition will start. The aerobic capacity is constantly changing as an athlete goes through the training cycle. It is however thought that each individual has an innate maximum aerobic capacity that is genetically determined.
  • In the lab: The volume of oxygen that can be used, measured in milliliters per kilogram per minute (VO2max). Measurable, but not much use for training or facilitating performance. Best for cocktail parties.
  • Indicators in the field:
    • Speed that can be maintained below the aerobic threshold, best measured by the highest steady-state lactate before the first inflection point in a lactate curve, typically between 1.5 and 2.5 mml/L, depending on the athlete's dominant muscle fiber type and training history;
    • Aerobic threshold heart rate as a percentage of anaerobic threshold heart rate or maximum heart rate. Higher is better.
Updated on Mar 3, 2026