What is VO2max anyway?
(Its measured in milliliters of oxygen used in one minute per kilogram of body weight.)
(Thats why fitness trackers will often compare your score to others of your age and gender.)
Is it accurate?
Fitness trackers estimate your VO2max from the data they are able to collect.
So, no, they arent as accurate as getting a VO2max test in a lab.
The number may still be useful, though.
And check that you actually go for a run every now and then to feed it data.
To find out what workouts those are, look up the specifics for your watch.
Youll also get the most accurate results if you are on flat ground and not chugging up hills.
Here isFitbits explanationandApples explanationof how they calculate VO2max.
Garmin, never to be outdone, hasfive different ways it can calculate VO2max.
What can I learn from my VO2max score?
After all, why are you exercising?
So consider whether this number is useful to you or not.
What doesnt VO2max tell me?
Your estimated VO2max doesnt tell you how strong your muscles are.
It doesnt tell you how agile you are or how skilled you are at your sport.
It cant even tell you what youractualVO2max would be if you got a lab test.
Bottom line: VO2max isnt everything.
