VO₂ max testing is not just for elite athletes. While athletes have used VO₂ testing for decades to optimize performance, its value extends far beyond sport. Cardiorespiratory fitness—the broader physiological capacity that VO₂ max helps measure—has consistently been associated with long-term health and lower mortality risk.

I’ve been in my 50s for a little over a year now, and I’ll admit: heading into this decade, I was a little nervous about how my body would respond. Would I recover more slowly? Would the things I love—running, skiing, mountain biking, lifting, pushing myself physically—start becoming harder?

Would I begin noticing limitations I hadn’t thought much about before? What I’ve found so far is a little different.

Whether you’re going on a day hike or embarking on a 20-mile backpacking trip, our RDN, Riley Hughes, offers helpful nutrition, hydration, and recovery tips to fuel your summer outdoor adventures. The best hiking adventures aren’t just about the destination; they’re about having the energy to enjoy every step of the way.

At 6:15 am on Saturday morning, I walked into my 12-year-old son’s room expecting to hear what most parents would expect that early on a weekend: “Maybe next time.”

Instead, he popped right out of bed.

Sweat for the Environment is a one-of-a-kind fitness competition to raise money and awareness for Washington-based environmental nonprofits doing the essential, hands-on work to protect our planet. Connect with local organizations, take environmental action, and sweat for a cause. This isn’t just a competition; it’s a celebration of strength, community, and environmental impact.

A confident step into a new challenge, guided by preparation, community, and a mission to expand what women see as possible in the outdoors.