The values below are fitness levels expressed as maximal oxygen uptake pr. kg body weight (ml/kg/min) - also termed "relative VO2max". The values are represent data from USA, Canada and 7 european countries. The third table represent how you would inteprete results on elite athletes.
Normal population - Males:
Normal population - Females:
World class athletes (running, bicycling, rowing, cross country skiing etc.):
The fitness value is calculated as maximal oxygen uptake divided by body weight. Therefore, in order to get a high value you should keep your body weight low and your circulatory capacity high.
The fitness value is a bit unfair to people with a high body weight. It is more difficult for bigger persons to achieve a high value than for smaller persons. A more fair comparison can be achieved by calculating a fitness value in wich maximal oxygen uptake is divided by body weight raised to the power of 0.73.