Related Article: Track your cardio fitness levels

Does the Apple Watch calculate VO2 Max using only Outdoor Walk, Outdoor Run, or Hiking workouts or does it also take into account Cycle, Swim and other workouts?

Apple states that "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."


But does it take into account other workouts such as Swim, Cycle, Rowing etc when calculating VO2?

Apple Watch Series 8

Posted on Sep 7, 2023 12:39 AM

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5 replies

Sep 7, 2023 1:10 AM in response to Simon Jary1

Cardio fitness is a measurement of your VO2 max, which is the maximum amount of oxygen your body can consume during exercise. Your cardio fitness level is a strong indicator of your overall physical health and a predictor of your long-term health. Your Apple Watch gives you a cardio fitness estimate by measuring how hard your heart is working during an Outdoor Walk, Outdoor Run, or Hiking workout in the Workout app.


as in Track your cardio fitness levels - Apple Support


Sep 28, 2023 11:55 AM in response to Simon Jary1

Just FYI, I am an avid cyclist and never really saw much change in my VO2max score on my watch, even when I felt like I was getting in better shape. I guess cycling didn't really translate to improving my walking ability (I wasn't a runner).


I did some research and read that only running, hiking, and walking affects the VO2max score. I started running a little bit. Trained up to running an OK 5k time and my VO2max score went up like 5 points in 6 weeks. It was pretty crazy. So if you want to improve your VO2max score, consider running a little bit.


More info: https://www.apple.com/healthcare/docs/site/Using_Apple_Watch_to_Estimate_Cardio_Fitness_with_VO2_max.pdf

and https://smoothiegains.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-boosting-your-vo2-max-on-an-apple-watch/

Does the Apple Watch calculate VO2 Max using only Outdoor Walk, Outdoor Run, or Hiking workouts or does it also take into account Cycle, Swim and other workouts?

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