Is there a limit to the amount Endurance and Cardio Fitness a person can achieve?

Question

Is there a limit to the amount Endurance and Cardio Fitness a person can achieve?

Answer 1

Certainly, there are limits to everything.

There are diminishing returns, once you reach your peak.

Because running a certain distance gives you a level of conditioning, then running twice that distance does not give you twice the endurance.

In fact, once you have reached a point, increasing your training may decrease your performance.

Answer 2

There are two answers to this question. Yes and no.

Yes, because each individual body is designed differently and it's resulting capacity is different. Sumo wrestlers cannot be expected to slim down and run a sub 4 minute mile. For them it is not a question of desire or proper training. They simply do not have the physical tools to accomplish the task.

No, because each of is capable of continual improvement. And for most people it is doubtful that we even come close to challenging our personal limits.

I think we need to operate under the assumption that endurance is nearly limitless. With rational preparation we can accomplish great things.