This Fitness Metric Is Linked to a 775% Increase in Anxiety Risk

Going the Distance: If you’ve ever noticed that you feel calmer or happier when you exercise consistently, you’re not imagining things. A new study in Acta Psychologica found that people with higher cardiorespiratory fitness — often measured by VO2 max, a marker of how efficiently your body uses oxygen during exercise — may experience lower anxiety, less anger, and greater emotional resilience.

The Study: Researchers recruited 40 young participants, estimated their VO2 max based on exercise habits, then showed them a set of emotionally distressing images over 30 minutes. Anxiety was measured before and after the exposure. People with below-average fitness had a 775% greater risk of jumping from moderate to high anxiety versus people with above-average fitness. Higher VO2 max was also linked to lower everyday anxiety and smaller anger spikes under stress.

The Takeaway: Consistent cardio workouts may help boost your stress threshold. Cardio fitness appears to be linked not just to long-term health, but also to how well we handle stress in the moment.

Keep in Mind: This was a small study that relied on self-reported exercise habits rather than direct VO2 max testing. Still, the findings align with what many exercisers already know firsthand: a good workout can help you feel calmer.