Question about my fitness level and vo2max score

Probably it is basically based on your avg HR and avg pace during the run. If that is the case the watch need to know your max possible HR to estimate your "effort" through the HR and to place that on an avg relationship between intensity/effort, VO2max and obtained pace.

You basically just need to lower your HR at the same pace and/or increase your pace at the same HR. Running more efficient can do so, getting in better aerobic shape is another. this score is not based on the time or length of your run, but more on the "quality" of it, meaning the HR/pace relationship.

Your questions are good questions. The quick answer is the watches aren't good at measuring our true VO2 max. They just can't. I've got multiple watches and they all give me significantly different numbers. What they can do, though, is tell you if your VO2 max is changing or not. If your VO2 max is plunking along at 51, then after a good training cycle it starts trending up, it probably means your real VO2 max is trending up, even if you can't be sure what the actual number is.

I've done a lot of research on this and you're not going to be able to find "the watch" that's perfect and you won't be able to reliably guess your VO2 max by learning what their formulas are. Because they're all trying to guess, based on pace and heart rate, how much oxygen is going in your lungs and you're actually utilizing. The only way to do it, is have it tested in a lab while they measure the oxygen levels. You can actually go get this done. It's usually done at sports medicine facilities, medical labs, or at a university.

Jeff_L wrote:

I'm a 50 year old male. I've been running on and off for 15 years (nothing serious). Recently, I purchased a smart watch (Samsung, Active2). This morning I went for a short 30min run, 3.6 miles, average heart rate 130bpm, and vo2max score 51,

I have been trying to find out more about this vo2max number. There seem to be several different methods and every method I think gives a different value.

Question 1. How is vo2max computed on Active2? What formula?

Question 2: Based on what I provided , could you tell me how to improve my vo2max score? Do I have to run longer (and slower) or try to run even faster. I think I can run 4miles for 30 minutes. Would that improve my score?

I apologize if my questions are stupid.

You likely will never know how any watch estimates (calculate to me is not accurate) VO2max as each company considers it proprietary information.

Now to be blunt: why are you worried about it since its validity (to me) is highly questionable. If you really care what your VO2max is, go to a college lab and get it tested with an actual metabolic cart. Probably can get it done for under $150.

There are a ton of threads here on V02Max - but I wouldn't bother trying to measure it or place much importance on some determined number.

If you want to train it, uphill running is prescribed.

If you want to extrapolate fitness, Daniel's VDOT tables are more useful.

No reason to get VO2peak measured in a lab, ever.

Would give an estimate only, just like the watch.

All VO2 estimates on the watch are based on assumptions which vary in reliability and usefulness for myriad reasons.

At 50y a more useful measure would be a 1000m test, roughly three to six weeks into training.

If highly trained, opt for a 1500m test.

Capability matters more than VO2 numbers.