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VO2 Max and how to improve it

6972738
over 4 years ago

Hi, I am male 54 years old and although not an athlete I feel I do pretty good for my age. 
I try to cycle 10 miles at least 4 times a week and go on long dog walks etc. I am quite active in my job as well. 
My concern is whenever I check my VO2 max it always shows 35 and poor with a “fitness” age of 60 !!

My question is, what do I need to do to improve this ? Is it HR based ? If so, my avg HR whilst cycling is approx 110. Is that bad ?

Any help or advice appreciated. 

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Martin

    That's a pity :( Perhaps that's something to put to them in their user suggestion thread: that manual input of a VO2 max number then allows that number to become the basis for further calculations. 

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Thom C

    Yes. I wish I had know that to get an “accurate” VO2 score I need to run outside using GPS. 

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Thom C

    I've had my va4s for almost 2 months. I've only ever gotten one vo2 max reading after one run. I've gone on numerous walks and it doesn't update. I mainly do HIIT style indoor workouts so I would love to see my progress. My old fitbit gave me vo2 readings even from my indoor activities

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to 5325285

    Yeah I think it’s a genuine flaw in the watch. 
    I am still showing a VO2 max of 35 which is poor and puts my fitness age at 64. I do an hour cardio at least 4 times a week and can happily do a 3 mile run or a couple of hours cycling. I have annual medicals with work which put me in pretty decent condition for my age ( 54 ).

    I have taken more walks using GPS and it doesn’t change. I have read all previous replies saying I need to run with GPS but that just isn’t my thing. I would have thought a top end fitness watch could have worked out a VO2 max using other activities. 

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to 6972738

    In order to get a VO2Max value that is actually worth believing in, the watch needs to know what power output you have in your activities. There are two ways to do that.
    1) A run measured with GPS
    2) A bike ride connected to a power meter.

    When doing your outdoor walks, try to use the run activity, and make sure you keep your heart rate fairly high for at least 15 minutes.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to ovekvam

    That’s good advice thanks :-)

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to 6972738

    Not a flaw. you need to satisfy the watch parameters.

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to 6972738

    You can try the VO2Max Walking Test datafield app.