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During maximal exercise, cardiac output—the amount of blood the heart pumps per minute—typically ranges from 20 to 25 liters per minute for highly trained athletes. This increase occurs because the body demands more oxygen and nutrients during high-intensity activities, requiring the heart to work harder to deliver blood effectively to the muscles.

In sedentary individuals, cardiac output during maximal exercise may be lower, around 15-20 L/min. However, elite athletes can achieve higher levels, making the range of 20-25 L/min accurate for peak performance scenarios. This understanding helps in assessing cardiovascular fitness and tailoring training programs to optimize performance.