Your 2026 Body Blueprint — Part 4: The Cardio You Actually Need After 40 (VO₂max, Zone 2, and Longevity)

You don't need to become a marathon runner or chase elite VO₂ max numbers to live longer—but ignoring your cardiovascular fitness after 40 comes with serious consequences. 

In Part 1 of this New Year Series, Ted explained what actually happens to your body as you age. In Part 2, he broke down why weight loss alone doesn't equal health.  And in Part 3, he showed why strength and muscle are non-negotiable for longevity.  

 

In this episode, Ted turns to the missing piece most people overlook: cardiorespiratory fitness. 

He cuts through the confusion around VO₂ max, cardio zones, and endurance training to explain what really matters for your heart, arteries, and long-term resilience. He breaks down how your cardiovascular system actually ages, why high-intensity workouts alone can backfire, and how to build an aerobic base that supports recovery, performance, and longevity—without turning your life upside down.  

If you're over 40, lift weights, and consider yourself "active" but haven't intentionally trained your cardiovascular system, this episode will show you why that's a mistake—and exactly how to fix it in a sustainable way.