Apple watch VO2 max measurement dropping like a rock

I am struggling to under the VO2 max readings on my Apple Watch. I work out daily with very little change in the weekly routine. But the VO2 values are dropping like a rock - down nearly 20% (from 39 to 33) in the last 6 weeks.


So 4 or 5 Outdoor Walks on the same path/loop each week where Workout App measures the values. All are for a duration of 50-60 minutes. All with an average pace of ~14 miles per hour. Heart rate pretty constant in the 125-135 BPM range.


These workouts don't vary by 5%. Yet the VO2 max is dropping each time. I just don't get it.


Anyone have any ideas?


It is an Apple Watch 7, Watch OS 10.3.1, using a tight fitting sports band.


Tim

Apple Watch Series 7, watchOS 10

Posted on Mar 5, 2024 07:01 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 6, 2024 02:59 AM

How long have you been using the watch? Could the sensor be broken?


And you should also try restarting your watch. If all the above tips don’t work, try doing a factory reset. You can find it in your watch’s settings by going to Settings > General > Reset.

You may have to scroll down all the way in your General Settings.

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6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 6, 2024 02:59 AM in response to timmilner

How long have you been using the watch? Could the sensor be broken?


And you should also try restarting your watch. If all the above tips don’t work, try doing a factory reset. You can find it in your watch’s settings by going to Settings > General > Reset.

You may have to scroll down all the way in your General Settings.

Apr 23, 2024 05:03 PM in response to timmilner

me too, it’s so frustrating. To be clear in the last year I’ve went from long covid collapsed lung to losing a ton of weight, running 5ks, and lifting weights/running/cycling 7 days a week. My cardio recovery continues to climb March 10-16 I was 39.5 on vo2 max. I’m 51 years old. I was sooo close to hitting 40 vo2max and then it just bottomed out! In a month I’ve now dropped to 34, regardless of doing 800m sprints, tracking miles outdoors via strava on walks and runs. Nothing is bringing it back up. It keep declining. So much for positive reinforcement and seeing any kind of accomplishment for the hard work 🫤

May 11, 2024 02:57 AM in response to timmilner

I'm having a similar issue with the series 9. I started working in landscaping a month ago (so waking like 10 miles a day, etc), climbing 40 flights one day a week and have lost like 10lbs. I walk the dog twice a day in our hood, same path. My vo2 shot up and is now dropping like a rock. This morning I'm to an all time low of 33.1! I've done the reset and all. It's discouraging for sure.

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Apple watch VO2 max measurement dropping like a rock

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