A female with a VO2 max of 60 ml/kg/min and a male with 70 ml/kg/min would be categorized as which VO2 max level?

• A. Extremely high
• B. Very high
• C. High
• D. Average

Answer: (A)

VO2 max is the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use per minute per kilogram of body weight during intense exercise, reflecting aerobic fitness. In CSCS normative charts, VO2 max levels rise from average to high to very high and then to extremely high. Values like 60 ml/kg/min for a woman and 70 ml/kg/min for a man are well into the upper end for adults and are placed in the extremely high category. This shows an exceptional ability to take in, transport, and utilize oxygen—traits typical of elite endurance athletes. While men often have higher numbers than women at similar training levels, both of these values sit in the top tier, hence the extremely high categorization.