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curious why cardio like a stair climber doesn't count for VO2

DCeremuga
over 2 years ago

I hurt my achillies and can't run, it may be months.  I can stair climb without pain, so I'm hitting it for 45 minutes to an hour using intervals.  I hit my max heart rate many times.  It's much more difficult than running.  

I've always been curious why activities like this don't really move the VO2 Max needle.

  • 0 over 2 years ago

    I agree. I'm 70 years old and live in Florida. I can't train outdoors in the heat. So I go to the gym 6 day a week but get no VO2 Jax or training status. There should be a way to measure indoor activities.

  • 0 over 2 years ago

    The VO2max estimate is generated by comparing your heart rate with you estimated oxygen consumption. In running, the oxygen consumption is estimated from speed (compensated for up/downhill). In cycling with power meter, the power meter is used for that purpose. In most cardio workouts there's no way to measure your oxygen consumption (you can't use heart rate for that, since that's what you compare against). Even with walking the watch doesn't use it for VO2max, if more reliable running/cycling estimate is available.

  • 0 over 2 years ago in reply to Indianwin

    There is. Connect your watch to an indoor bike that transmits power via ANT+ or Bluetooth. I'd ask if that's possible.

    Pairing Your Wireless Sensors

    The first time you connect a wireless sensor to your watch using ANT‍+® or Bluetooth® technology, you must pair the watch and sensor. If the sensor has both ANT‍+ and Bluetooth technology, Garmin® recommends that you pair using ANT‍+ technology. After they are paired, the watch connects to the sensor automatically when you start an activity and the sensor is active and within range.

    1. If you are pairing a heart rate monitor, put on the heart rate monitor.

      The heart rate monitor does not send or receive data until you put it on.

    2. Bring the watch within 3 m (10 ft.) of the sensor.
      NOTE: Stay 10 m (33 ft.) away from other wireless sensors while pairing.
    3. Hold MENU.
    4. Select Sensors & Accessories > Add New.
    5. Select an option:

      • Select Search All Sensors.

      • Select your sensor type.

      After the sensor is paired with your watch, the sensor status changes from Searching to Connected. Sensor data appears in the data screen loop or a custom data field. You can customize the optional data fields (Customizing the Data Screens).

  • 0 over 2 years ago in reply to Indianwin

    You should be getting a vo2max, it just will not be a running/cycling one. At the very least it should be basing it off all day HR: https://support.garmin.com/en-GB/?faq=lWqSVlq3w76z5WoihLy5f8

    Training status you will not as you can only get those off outdoor gps run and or cycle with power meter.

    "How Do I Get a Training Status?

    To receive a training status, record and sync 1-2 running or cycling activities per week that generate a VO2 max. Runs must be recorded outdoors with GPS tracking and heart rate data. Cycling can take place indoors or outdoors, but the rides must be done using a power meter and with recorded heart rate data. If you're not receiving a Training Status, see Why is my Training Status not Updating on my Garmin Fitness Device?."

    https://support.garmin.com/en-GB/?faq=VxKazDQ2mkAmDoQbJriEBA

    But do not fear, as all is not lost. You don't need a training status to tell you whether your fitness levels are increasing or not - its just a nice quick graphic that does the work for you and gives a little bit more understanding around it. You can see your overall fitness levels based on the optimal band for the 7DL (7 day load) - if flat you are maintaining, if trending updwards improving, if downward trend losing fitness.

  • 0 over 2 years ago

    I also use Training Peaks for this purpose.It shows everything Garmin does and more per training.

  • 0 over 2 years ago in reply to Indianwin

    personally I found the training peaks pretty complicated (but then that was the Suunto version - so maybe the version on Training peaks site is different).

    I find the load focus and 7DL much easier to use and understand.