Can't see my VO2 Max on my Versa 3

[TONI3K]

Hello Fitbit community,

I hope this message finds you well. I am a proud owner of a Fitbit Versa 3 and I have been practicing various exercises such as outdoor walking, treadmill running, stationary biking, and using the elliptical machine. Despite my efforts, I have not been able to see my VO2 max progress on my Fitbit. What could I be doing wrong? I would appreciate any advice or tips you could provide.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Best regards,
Toni

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[JohnnyRow]

See What is my cardio fitness score?  particularly the sections "How Does Fitbit Measure My Cardio Fitness Score" and "How Do I Get a More Precise Estimate of My Score?"  You will see it is generally just a broad estimate, weight and resting heart rate being mostly what you can change.  But to get more precise values, have to do a few runs with GPS so it can correlate your heart rate  with running speed.

[LZeeW · Accepted solution]

Hello @TONI3K and welcome to the Community.  As a little explanation, the gold standard for measuring your VO2 max has you exercising with a specialized mask that measures your inhaled oxygen and exhaled CO2.  Fitbit estimates your VO2 max using its own proprietary algorithm.  Other ways of estimating VO2 max include the Cooper Test, the Rockport Fitness Walking Test, and a Six Minute Walking Test.

Fitbit reports a VO2 max range, unless you do GPS mapped runs.  The first thing to do is get a single number, instead of the range by doing GPS mapped runs.  Fitbit's algorithm works on the premise that, if you have two otherwise identical people running side-by-side, the person with the slower heart rate has the higher VO2 max. Help article  You want to do GPS runs on as level a course as possible to get your best estimate.  Make sure it isn't too warm and that you are well hydrated before you start.

If your treadmill run or elliptical endurance has improved and if your resting heart rate is lower, there's a good chance your VO2 max has improved.  Personally, I don't find Fitbit's range helpful at all.  It overestimates my VO2 max.