The Fitness Reserve: Why Wilderness Activities Matter

What if spending more time in the wilderness could help you stay healthier, stronger, and more independent with time. In this episode, we explore VO₂ max, one of the most important measures of cardiovascular fitness and a powerful predictor of long-term health. We’ll examine how hiking, backpacking, mountain running, and other outdoor activities can improve aerobic capacity, build physiological reserve, and help us maintain the strength and endurance we need throughout life. Because fitness i...