The induction of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor coactivator 1 (PGC-1 ), a key regulator of mitochondriogenesis, is well-established under multiple physical exercise regimens including, endurance, resistance, and sprint training. We wanted to determine if increased expression of PGC-1 in muscle is sufficient to improve performance during exercise in vivo. We demonstrate that muscle-specific expression of PGC-1 improves the performance during voluntary as well as forced exercise challenges. Additionally, PGC-1 transgenic mice exhibit an enhanced performance during a peak VO₂ exercise test, demonstrating an increased peak oxidative capacity, or whole body oxygen uptake. This increased ability to perform in multiple exercise paradigms is supported by enhanced mitochondrial function as suggested by increased mitochondrial gene expression, mitochondrial DNA, and mitochondrial enzyme activity. Thus, this study demonstrates that upregulation of PGC-1 in muscle in vivo is sufficient to greatly improve exercise performance under various exercise paradigms as well as increase peak oxygen uptake.