What does aerobic capacity mean and how to measure it with Apple Watch

The Apple Watch is able to measure aerobic capacity with VO₂ max. and here’s how you can do it

The Apple Watch is a device capable of measuring a multitude of parameters of our health which can be very relevant. And one of these parameters is aerobic capacitymeasured with VO₂ max, which can reveal whether we are in good or poor health. If you want to check this data, here’s a detailed explanation of what it means and how you can measure it with your Apple Watch.

What is aerobic capacity

This health parameter represents the body’s ability to perform moderate-intensity physical activities for prolonged periods while benefiting from oxygen. It reflects the level of cardiovascular and pulmonary efficiencyas well as the ability of muscles to use oxygen as a source of energy, essential for activities such as running, swimming, walking or cycling.

Aerobic capacity measures VO2 max, which is the maximum amount of oxygen the body can consume during exercise. Aerobic fitness levels are a fairly reliable indicator of overall physical health and a good predictor of long-term health.

Aerobic capacity is often measured in terms of VO₂ max. (maximum oxygen volume), which indicates the maximum amount of oxygen a person’s body can consume during intense exercise. The lungs, heart, blood vessels and muscles are therefore involved.

How much The higher a person’s aerobic capacity and the higher the VO₂ max levels, the better the physical performance. and endurance, and the risks of premature fatigue and cardiovascular problems are lower.

How to measure aerobic capacity with Apple Watch

As we mentioned, VO₂ max is used to measure aerobic capacity. To measure VO₂ max. accurately, it is necessary to carry out a physical test with special equipment. However, Apple Watch is able to obtain an estimate of your VO₂ max. from your movement and heart rate data obtained with the sensors.

Apple Watch Series 9 includes sensor to measure blood oxygen level that infringes Masimo patents

The Apple Watch is capable of measuring several health parameters, such as aerobic capacity

Apple says the Apple Watch can record an estimate of VO₂ max. when you walk briskly, hike, or run outdoors, or when you engage in other moderate physical activities. So You don’t need to do anything special, just wear it when doing these activities. The only condition is that the user is over 20 years old, during pregnancy the data is also unreliable.

This function is Compatible with Apple Watch Series 3 and later models. To estimate the level of aerobic capacity, Apple indicates that the Apple Watch has different parameters, which you will need to indicate in the iPhone Health application:

• Heart rate and motion sensors.
• Age.
• Sex.
• Weight.
• Height.
• Medicines that can affect heart rate.

How to check your aerobic capacity if you use an Apple Watch

As we commented, The Apple Watch took measurements without you realizing it to estimate VO₂ max. and your aerobic capacity

1. Enter the Health app of the iPhone.
2. Tap the section below Explore.
3. The easiest way is to touch To research and type “aerobic capacity”.
4. One will appear graphic detailing your VO₂ max level.
5. The graph will display the VO₂ max level. and if you are above or below average.
6. You can see data filtered by year, month, week and day.

From this section you can also enable aerobic capacity notifications. So you can receive a notification if your aerobic fitness level is low. There is a correlation between low levels of aerobic capacity and the risk of developing serious health problems over time. This type of notifications can therefore help us improve our health.