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How is Vo2Max calculated?

WMar


When I train the base, 3-4 hours in Z2, it shows me Vo2Max around 48 and that the training is unproductive, when I do interval exercises, e.g. 3m on 115% FTP, Vo2Max 54 shows me. Quite a big difference, what can it show? How to use it for better training?

  • 0

    The algorithm compares HR as a % of HRMax, against power.

    The first place to look therefore is how accurate your HRMax is. Firstbeat (who designed the algorithm's) white paper on the topic notes a significant improvement in VO2Max accuracy if the athlete's true HRMax is known, over using the age-based default.

    Seeing a big decline in VO2Max in aerobic rides versus more intense rides suggests your aerobic base fitness is underdeveloped.

    I know I saw this myself this year - during lockdown when I could not do long rides, I was seeing a 4-5 VO2Max point swing between z2 rides, and z4/5 rides. In the last couple of months where I have been able to do long rides on a regular basis, my aerobic base has improved and I am only seeing a 1 point swing between rides.