My VO2 Max readings have dropped over recent months from 28-30 down to 16-18. I exercise for minimum of an hour in the gym 5 times a week and frequently walk outside for 10,000 steps. I have unpaired my watch from phone and then paired again but the readings remain low with low cardio notifications which cannot be possible. This worries me as low cardio levels can indicate serious health issues. Can anyone help?
Apple Watch Series 7
Hi there Thick03,
If you are having issues tracking your cardio fitness levels, first ensure that you look over this information from Track your cardio fitness levels to ensure everything is accurate:
How Apple Watch estimates your cardio fitness levels
Apple Watch Series 3 or later can record an estimate of your VO2 max using the heart and motion sensors during an Outdoor Walk, Outdoor Run, or Hiking workout in the Workout app. Apple Watch supports a VO2max range of 14-65 mL/kg/min that is validated for users 20 years or older.
To estimate your cardio fitness level, your Apple Watch also takes into account your:
* Age
* Sex
* Weight
* Height
* Medications that might affect your heart rate
It can take at least 24 hours of wearing your Apple Watch, followed by several Outdoor Walk, Outdoor Run, or Hiking workouts* and passive measurements with your Apple Watch before you receive an initial estimate.
If the Health app detects that your previous cardio fitness estimates could be more accurate, you'll have the option to update your data. In Cardio Fitness, tap Update under Update Your Data. After you update, the Cardio Fitness Data Updated notification shows you the results of the update and how your estimates changed.
Calibrating your Apple Watch is also a good step in order to ensure you are getting the most accurate results as well. This shows how to do this: Calibrate your Apple Watch for improved Workout and Activity accuracy
If this continues after looking over those articles, then our Health and Activity Support would be the best suited to investigate this behavior further. Connect with them here: Contact - Official Apple Support
Cheers!
VO2 Max readings
