VO2 Max Accuracy in Smartwatches TESTED! (Apple Watch, Garmin, Polar, COROS, Suunto, and More!)

Summary

In this video, Dave and his wife Jen travel to Boston to get their VO2 max tested at DXA Metrics, comparing the lab results to those from popular fitness watches. VO2 max measures the maximum oxygen usage during exercise, with higher numbers indicating better fitness. Dave explains how watches like Garmin, Apple, and Suunto estimate VO2 max based on factors like heart rate, but without directly measuring oxygen intake. The results show a close correlation between the lab and watch estimates. Dave encourages viewers to consider their fitness goals before opting for a lab test.

Takeaways

• 🏃‍♂️ Dave and his wife Jen visited Boston during Marathon weekend to test their VO2 max at DXA Metrics.
• ⚙️ VO2 max is a measurement of the maximum rate of oxygen your body can use during exercise, measured in milliliters per minute per kilogram of body weight.
• 📊 VO2 max values vary by age and gender, with higher values indicating better cardiovascular fitness.
• 👨 A good VO2 max for a 38-year-old male is above 54, while a poor one is below 40. For women, a superior VO2 max at that age is above 47.
• 🧪 VO2 max lab tests are highly accurate, involving specialized equipment that measures oxygen intake and carbon dioxide output during exercise.
• ⌚ Modern fitness watches like Garmin, Apple, and Suunto estimate VO2 max using data such as heart rate and GPS tracking, although these are estimations and not absolute measurements.
• 📉 Dave's lab-tested VO2 max was 51.1, which is very close to the estimates provided by Garmin (51), Koros (51), and Apple Watch Ultra (51.6).
• 🚴‍♀️ Jen's lab-tested VO2 max was 49.5, while her Garmin watch estimated 51, showing a slight deviation but still fairly accurate.
• 🔬 The accuracy of VO2 max estimates from watches can vary depending on factors like skin color, body fat, tattoos, or how tightly the watch is worn.
• 💡 Dave concludes that lab tests are helpful for serious athletes but for most people, smartwatches provide a reliable estimate for VO2 max and training purposes.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the video?

The purpose of the video is to compare the accuracy of a lab-tested VO2 max with the estimated VO2 max values provided by different sports and fitness watches.

What is VO2 max?

VO2 max is a measurement of the maximum rate at which the body can use oxygen during exercise. It is measured in milliliters of oxygen per minute per kilogram of body weight and is an indicator of cardiovascular fitness.

How is VO2 max measured in a lab setting?

In a lab, VO2 max is measured using specialized equipment while the person exercises on a treadmill or stationary bike. The test uses a mask connected to a machine that measures the oxygen intake and carbon dioxide output, along with a chest-worn ECG heart rate sensor.

Why did the speaker go to Boston?

The speaker traveled to Boston to visit a facility called DXA Metrics to get a lab-tested VO2 max as part of creating the video content.

What were the lab-tested VO2 max results for the speaker and his wife?

The speaker's lab-tested VO2 max came in at 51.1, which is considered excellent for a 38-year-old male. His wife's lab-tested VO2 max was 49.5.

How accurate are the VO2 max estimates from different sports watches?

According to the video, the VO2 max estimates from Garmin, Coros, and Apple watches were close to the lab-tested value of 51.1. For example, Garmin and Coros estimated 51, while Apple gave a slightly higher 51.6. Other devices like Suunto showed 49.5, but Polar and Amazfit were less consistent.

What factors can affect the accuracy of VO2 max estimates from smartwatches?

Factors include skin color, body fat percentage, arm hair density, presence of tattoos, and how tightly the watch is worn. These variables can affect the readings from the watch's optical heart rate sensors.

Why might someone opt for a lab test instead of relying on smartwatch estimates?

A lab test is more accurate because it directly measures the oxygen intake and carbon dioxide output, offering precise VO2 max values. This can be beneficial for serious or professional athletes who need reliable data for training and performance assessment.

What are the benefits of getting a VO2 max lab test?

A VO2 max lab test provides accurate heart rate zones and detailed information about fuel usage (fat or carbs) at different exercise intensities, which can be useful for training and race preparation.

What does the speaker plan to do in the future regarding VO2 max testing?

The speaker plans to get tested again in a few months to see if the lab results still align with the smartwatch estimates as their fitness improves through training.