In this video I am going to show you the science on why your Smart Watch VO2 max measurement is probably wrong and why even a correct VO2max can’t predict your race performance
I don't think anybody is saying that a great VO2 max makes you run faster. The advantage of improving your VO2 max is that it highly corelates with health span and longevity. Outside of going into a lab for a specific VO max test, your watch can provide a guide as to providing a basic measurement. I believe having your watch provide some metrics to evaluate in addition to someone overseeing your training is far greater then doing neither. But your title of your video gets the clicks needed to have people watch. Just kidding on that last statement (kinda) :)
While many people report differences in the range of +/-4 when comparing Garmin VO2max vs. a formal VO2max test, it was quite different for me: Fenix6 Vo2max -> 43, formal VO2max -> 54 (I am 49 M).
I watched a bunch of CZcams videos on this. For some the Garmin was within a 0-3 of the lab number, while others saw 10 low and others 10 high. I would assume that the change over time in the Garmin number would be more accurate than the baseline itself but I don't know if anyone has tested that.
I've been a fitness freak all my life! I did Cross Country and Wrestling in HS and always maintained a good physique/diet. I'm 30 now and I can run about a 7:00 mile. Yet the VO2 calculator (using multiple metrics) says I'm at 30 (D+ - Very Poor)?
I have a venu 2+. When i first got it my vo2max plummeted over the course of a month or so, then stabled out. A fee months later I did a treadmill test and they were both 39. Decimal points off. I was super surprised. Maybe next time it won't be the same. A year later I'm at 43
My VO2 max, I got a fitness age of a 42 year old, im in my late 30's, I can do 5k in 25minutes, I can run 10miles without walking or stopping, I run regular- but even though I feel healthy, i was into bodybuilding for years and i weighed 120kg, ive trimmed down to 98kg now- Garmin doenst like my weight regardless of how often i run lol
Great video, but now I'm wondering since I'm getting a Fenix tonight - if the lactate threshold test somehow depends on the VO2 Max, and yet most people who compare Garmin's LT measurment to lab tests show they're not too far off, how could this be? Like if their VO2 Max is that wrong, shouldn't it be interfering with the LT calculations?
That means your aerobic system is likely on the weaker side, so I would focus on mileage and threshold workouts. runnersconnect.net/training-with-thresholds-in-the-right-zone/
Can I increase my VO2 Max by using a revounder - mini trampoline? I use the "Cardio" activity and my HR generally gets to 140bpm for 30 minutes give or take.
Great video! Question - I bought a Garmin Instinct 1, it does not have Vo2 max. Should I bother to sell it and get the 2 (more expensive) to get the Vo2 Max? It would be good to 5km and 10km runs right?
If I have a meter stick that's off by 4%, I can still measure changes in the height of a growing tree.
Perfect analogy
I don't think anybody is saying that a great VO2 max makes you run faster. The advantage of improving your VO2 max is that it highly corelates with health span and longevity. Outside of going into a lab for a specific VO max test, your watch can provide a guide as to providing a basic measurement. I believe having your watch provide some metrics to evaluate in addition to someone overseeing your training is far greater then doing neither. But your title of your video gets the clicks needed to have people watch. Just kidding on that last statement (kinda) :)
This answer should be pinned!
The statements in this comment are on point and helpful for people new to this.
yeah but I think you also missed the point which was the number that the watch generated was garbage compared to his actual VO2max.
While many people report differences in the range of +/-4 when comparing Garmin VO2max vs. a formal VO2max test, it was quite different for me: Fenix6 Vo2max -> 43, formal VO2max -> 54 (I am 49 M).
I watched a bunch of CZcams videos on this. For some the Garmin was within a 0-3 of the lab number, while others saw 10 low and others 10 high. I would assume that the change over time in the Garmin number would be more accurate than the baseline itself but I don't know if anyone has tested that.
Mine was spot on. The treadmill test just had another decimal point
Excellent delivery of quality info. I guess I’ll tamp my excitement to obsess over it (😆) Love the 5k 10k workouts here
Now do cycling
That VO2 max is wild 😳😳 but such a great way to explain the use of VO2 Max measurements.
Thanks, yeah I thought it would be helpful to see in context.
But if I connect the garmin to a chest strap, then the Vo2Max will be much more precise, am I right?
I've been a fitness freak all my life! I did Cross Country and Wrestling in HS and always maintained a good physique/diet. I'm 30 now and I can run about a 7:00 mile.
Yet the VO2 calculator (using multiple metrics) says I'm at 30 (D+ - Very Poor)?
I have a venu 2+. When i first got it my vo2max plummeted over the course of a month or so, then stabled out. A fee months later I did a treadmill test and they were both 39. Decimal points off. I was super surprised. Maybe next time it won't be the same. A year later I'm at 43
To improve your VO2 Max, do one of the top rated things to improve it... the Norwegian 4x4.
My VO2 max, I got a fitness age of a 42 year old, im in my late 30's, I can do 5k in 25minutes, I can run 10miles without walking or stopping, I run regular- but even though I feel healthy, i was into bodybuilding for years and i weighed 120kg, ive trimmed down to 98kg now- Garmin doenst like my weight regardless of how often i run lol
Great video, but now I'm wondering since I'm getting a Fenix tonight - if the lactate threshold test somehow depends on the VO2 Max, and yet most people who compare Garmin's LT measurment to lab tests show they're not too far off, how could this be? Like if their VO2 Max is that wrong, shouldn't it be interfering with the LT calculations?
I run at very high % of max heart rate during marathons. Where should I focus my training?
That means your aerobic system is likely on the weaker side, so I would focus on mileage and threshold workouts. runnersconnect.net/training-with-thresholds-in-the-right-zone/
Thanks for this explanation, my vo2 max reduced from 55 to 52 during a long easy run, is it normal, should i be worried?
The same happened to me 😭
Can I increase my VO2 Max by using a revounder - mini trampoline? I use the "Cardio" activity and my HR generally gets to 140bpm for 30 minutes give or take.
no, i use a stationary bike and my forerunner has now, after not running outdoors this year, gone to min setting of 27 from 49
Do one of the top ranked things to improve your VO2 Max... the Norwegian 4x4
Great video! Question - I bought a Garmin Instinct 1, it does not have Vo2 max. Should I bother to sell it and get the 2 (more expensive) to get the Vo2 Max? It would be good to 5km and 10km runs right?
I'd say the VO2max feature is not worth the upgrade
@@runnersconnect tks very much!
I'm not at all surprised. Thanks so much for your video!
Wow
Thanks, glad you liked