VO2 Max Trending

[Tekward]

Hi everyone. I know there are people that track Apple Watch data like I do, but for others, the health feedback can be important. It was instrumental for me in addressing my frequent AFIB (Low symptoms, but an average of 4/.7 Apple Alerts daily - my mortality reminders).

My VO2 Max had been trending down ~15% over 2022-23, from 44 to 37, despite of my efforts to maintain it though exercise. I average over 60 minutes of exercise daily (66 YO M).

As a result I proactively decided to proceed with a heart ablation December. Three months later I have had one AFIB alert (in December), and my VO2 Max is back >40, about average for a 30 YO M.

Disclaimer: Apple Watch results are not as good as specialized testing, but it provides me useful information for trending. If you are curious about VO2 https://www.fitnescity.com/understanding-vo2-max

If you don't follow Peter Attia, I'd highly recommend it. Below discusses the link between VO2 fitness and mortality.
https://peterattiamd.com/how-does-vo2-max-correlate-with-longevity/

 

[braumeister]

I don't have a lot of confidence in my Apple Watch's estimate of my VO2 Max, so I test myself every year around my birthday.

My preferred method is the Cooper run test, where you run as fast as you can for 1.5 miles. According to a study by the American College of Sports Medicine, the 1.5 run test is a valid method for assessing cardiovascular fitness.

Then I go HERE and use the calculator to get my VO2 Max.

If you're not up for the 1.5 mile run, they also use a one mile walk test which is also considered a viable alternative.

 

[audreyh1]

Interesting!

Glad your health has improved.