Which of the following is NOT listed as a lifestyle factor affecting VO2 max?

• A. Sedentary lifestyle
• B. Poor diet
• C. Regular strength training
• D. Smoking

Answer: (C)

VO2 max is the maximum amount of oxygen the body can use during intense exercise, determined by how well the heart, lungs, blood, and muscles work together. Lifestyle factors that influence this capacity typically affect aerobic fitness: a sedentary lifestyle reduces the body’s cardiorespiratory adaptations, a poor diet can limit energy availability and recovery, and smoking damages lung function and gas exchange, all of which can lower VO2 max.

Regular strength training, while valuable for building muscle strength and mass and improving overall health, does not directly increase VO2 max. The improvements in VO2 max come mainly from regular aerobic (endurance) training that challenges the cardiorespiratory system and boosts heart output, lung efficiency, capillary density, and mitochondrial function. Because strength training doesn’t directly drive those aerobic adaptations, it isn’t typically listed as a lifestyle factor that affects VO2 max.