What does cardiorespiratory fitness measure?

Cardiorespiratory fitness specifically measures the body's ability to transport and utilize oxygen during physical activity. This capability reflects how well the heart, lungs, and muscles work together to produce energy, particularly during endurance activities. Improved cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with better overall health and increased exercise performance.

When considering the concept of cardiorespiratory fitness, it is crucial to understand that it encompasses aerobic capacity, which involves both the efficiency of the cardiovascular system and the respiratory system in delivering oxygen to the working muscles during sustained exercise. This contrasts sharply with other fitness components, such as muscular strength, flexibility, or body composition, which are not directly related to the body's oxygen transport and utilization efficiency.