Someone recently left a comment on my @Bodybuildingcom podcast feature saying: “VO2 max is the leading indicator for length of life. Grip strength is probably the leading indicator for quality of life.”
I don’t necessarily disagree, but there’s an important distinction to make – one is mechanistic, while the other is correlational.
VO2 max – the maximal rate of oxygen consumption during exercise – is a direct mechanism for longevity. A higher VO2 max improves cardiovascular and pulmonary function, meaning it actively contributes to a longer life.
Grip strength, on the other hand, is just a correlation. A strong grip doesn’t cause you to live longer; it’s simply associated with greater muscle mass, strength, or an active lifestyle. You could have an elite grip but still suffer from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or other health conditions that impact longevity.
VO2 max stands apart because its benefits are independent of other factors meaning it’s a clear predictor of lifespan. Grip strength? A useful indicator, but not the driving force.
#shorts
