#40 - Why CO2 Capacity and VO2 Max Are a Leading Indicator of Health and Lifespan

Are your words keeping you stuck? Are the small compromises you’ve made with your body quietly stealing your freedom? And did you know your breath — specifically your tolerance to carbon dioxide (CO₂) — is one of the strongest indicators of long-term health, resilience, and lifespan? In this episode of The Athlete Mom Project, we break down how VO₂max, CO₂ capacity, breathwork, and mindset work together to shape performance, recovery, and longevity — especially for athlete moms who want to stay strong, capable, and independent for decades. This episode connects the science and the strategy, including: how the words you use rewire your brain through the Reticular Activating System (RAS) and reinforce identity why small compromises train your nervous system to contract instead of expand how breath acts as the fastest regulator of stress and energy why CO₂ tolerance (not oxygen intake) is a leading indicator of nervous system health, endurance, and longevity how nasal breathing, breath mechanics, and CO₂ capacity directly influence VO₂max practical ways to improve CO₂ tolerance using Zone 2 training, intervals, tempo work, and breath training CO₂ capacity reflects how well your body tolerates stress — physically and mentally. Low tolerance is associated with anxiety, poor recovery, chronic fatigue, pain sensitivity, and declining performance. Higher tolerance allows you to stay calm under load, move efficiently, recover faster, and maintain independence as you age. Whether you’re a mom training for the mountains, rebuilding strength after pregnancy, rolling on the mats, or simply wanting to feel strong and pain-free in your body again, this episode gives you tools to stop shrinking your capacity — and start expanding it. Longevity isn’t about avoiding stress. It’s about training your body to handle it well. One breath at a time. 🎙️ Subscribe to the podcast If this episode helped you, please rate, review, and share it with a mom who’s trying to lift while raising kids. 🔗 Resources & Links 📖 Read the full breakdown of this Podcast episode on my Substack 👉 [Read it Here] 🏔️ Join the Athlete Mom Project Course Training that fits motherhood — without burnout, all-or-nothing, or sacrificing family life. 👉 [ Learn More Here ] 📲 Learn More About Coaching Programs 👉 Inquire About Coaching Programs Here 💪🏻 Connect with me on Instagram 👉 [@withchanyoucan]