What is VO2 Max in a Smartwatch, and Why you Should Track it?

Are you planning to buy a new smartwatch? Then you must have come across the term VO2 max. But what is it? VO2 max refers to the amount of oxygen that is available to take up during exercise for your body. It is the maximum rate at which your body can deliver oxygen to your exercising muscle. VO2 Max value affects how fast or how fat you can run. The higher this level is, the more ready you are for taking up your exercise regime with higher intensity. A higher number on the VO2 max scale shows that your cardiorespiratory system is working fine, it is always better when it comes to performance, as mentioned in a 2019 case study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology. Whereas a lower number says that there might be some underlying reasons for the same. 

What is VO2 Max in a Smartwatch?

Traditionally, VO2 Max tests are conducted at doctor’s clinics by professional fitness instructors. The tests include treadmill test, Cooper test, etc. These tests measure the endurance levels of your heart, lungs, and other vital organs during the run. The instructors determine your fitness levels and your VO2max from these tests accurately. However, in the present day, there are smartwatches available that measure VO2max accurately. For this, the smartwatch uses your motion data along with your SpO2 measurement to find your VO2 max information.

If any individual needs to track VO2 max data daily, then these smartwatches aid in such situations. Knowing your VO2 max information allows you to draw insights into the conditions of your heart, lungs, and other vital organs and their capacity to take on strenuous exercise regimes. Most of these smartwatches come with different levels of VO2 max, and each of these levels has its significance.

Vo2 Max in Apple Watch

For example, Apple Watch 6 is capable of measuring VO2 max. There are 4 levels it categorizes the condition into, low, below average, above average, and high. Any value below 30 is considered low, and a value below 50 is considered below average. In such conditions, it is advised that you consult a physician before you make any major changes in your fitness regime or increase the intensity. For values above 50 and below 70 you are considered to be in the above-average range, and your body is more or less fit to take on moderate to high intensity exercising regimes. Any value above 70, you are in perfect condition, and your vital organs are to their maximum capacity. You can take on some of the best high-intensity workouts with much ease. 

Smartwatches & Fitness Trackers with VO2 Max

Apart from Apple, other smartwatches that track VO2 max accurately are the Garmin Fenix 6, Garmin Vivoactive 4, and Garmin Forerunner 935, and many more. Each of these smartwatches is priced individually, and you can get many other health and fitness tracking features along with VO2 max. The main factors that these smartwatches key in are the motion sensor, SpO2 monitor, and heart rate sensor to measure your VO2 max accurately.

How to Measure VO2 Max?

VO2 max measurement is essential for people over 20 as it helps you understand your underlying health conditions. Get the best smartwatch within your budget today and start understanding your fitness levels with the VO2 max measurement. You must also understand that each brand has its way of drawing insights on the VO2 max data, but most of these insights are accurate and helpful for you to understand your body requirements and curate your exercise regimes accordingly for better benefits.