Okay, so I’ve been trying to get a better handle on my fitness lately, and my Fitbit’s VO2 Max feature has been something I’ve been eyeing. Here’s how I went about digging into it.
Figuring Out Where to Start
First things first, I had to actually find the darn thing. It wasn’t super obvious at first. I poked around the Fitbit app on my phone, tapping through different screens. Eventually, I swiped through the heart rate section on the dashboard and, bingo, there was a little chart showing my cardio fitness score and VO2 Max range.
Getting the First Reading
Apparently, to get an initial reading, you need to do some serious activity. Just walking to the fridge wasn’t gonna cut it. So, I went for a brisk 10-minute walk outside, making sure my phone’s GPS was on and I was wearing my fitbit of course, and let the Fitbit do its thing.
Checking the Results
After my walk, I synced my Fitbit with the app and went back to that cardio fitness section. It gave me a number, my estimated VO2 Max, and showed me where I fell on a scale of “poor” to “excellent.” It was a little humbling, to be honest! Let just say that I’m very “poor”.
Improving the Score (Trying, Anyway!)
Knowing my score was cool, but I wanted to see if I could actually improve it. I read somewhere that doing more intense workouts, like running or interval training, helps boost your VO2 Max. so I’ve add those to my exercise items.
Keeping Track of Progress
- Regular Workouts: I’ve been trying to get in at least a few good runs or brisk walks each week. Consistency seems to be key.
- Using the Guided Programs: The Fitbit app has some guided workout programs, and I’ve dabbled with a few of those. It’s nice to have some structure.
- Checking the App: I make sure to check the app regularly to see if my score is inching up. It’s slow progress, but it’s motivating to see even small changes.
What I’ve Learned So Far
It’s definitely not a quick fix. Improving your VO2 Max takes time and effort. It’s been a good way to keep myself accountable, though. Seeing that number, even if it’s not where I want it to be yet, pushes me to keep going. Plus, it’s kind of neat to have a more “scientific” way to measure my fitness progress beyond just how I feel or how my clothes fit.
It’s a work in progress, for sure, but I’m sticking with it!