Calculating your VO2 max and how to convert it to a 2k row

[Dave Neve]

Hello everyone

The RowAlong channel has published a video on how to calculate your VO2 max at home and then use the Concept VO2 max calculator, which I did not even know existed

The video is at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmrViVySixY

and the calculator is at: https://www.concept2.com/training/vo2max-calculator

Just for your info

[Dangerscouse]

Imo, that calculator is totally worthless. The only way you know your VO2max is in lab testing, and in all reality, it means nothing compared to actually achieving what you're capable of.

I think there was quite a lot of chat about this recently on this forum, and it exposed a lot of flaws, but, like a lot of things these days, it's another bit of data that people like to look at.

If, for example, this erroneously tells you that you've got an excellent VO2max but you can't achieve the 'excellent' results, won't this then be counter productive? From what I have seen it definitely over estimates what your VO2max is, so it's something I personally totally ignore.

I'd only bother with HR, but even that isn't essential. Other than that, it's only your results that matter.

[Sakly]

Fully agree to what Stu wrote.
Vo2max is a metric, which probably has some value, but is really sport specific. For the outcome/results in a sport, there are so much more factors, so this single metric is worthless in terms of getting an idea of a predicted result.
Based on my watch and some calculators my Vo2max is around 60-70. But this doesn't make me a good runner to get sub 40 on a 10k. On the rower this is absolutely no problem for me.

[Ombrax]

Imo, that calculator is totally worthless.

Assuming decent technique, I would think that there's isn't a horrible correlation between a VO2 max based on erg pace and a VO2 max based on lab measurements on an erg. Of course the scatter will get worse if you compare erg-based VO2 max to one measured on a treadmill, but even then I bet the R^2 would be decent.

[Tsnor]

Imo, that calculator is totally worthless.

Assuming decent technique, I would think that there's isn't a horrible correlation between a VO2 max based on erg pace and a VO2 max based on lab measurements on an erg.

You are 100% correct about the correlation. That's how C2 says they got the model behind the VO2 max calculator.

For runners and cyclists, watches estimate VO2 for a variety of workouts and keep display summary VO2max. VO2max trends are an easy way to see performance changes across sports without needing to do a consistent workout.

For rowers, the estimated VO2 max number (while correct) doesn't tell as much as the the 2K split time used to get it. So "that calculator is totally worthless". If C2 log gave us a VO2max value for every workout and a weighted, current summary VO2max we'd be using it and liking it. But as it is, rowing VO2max is a toy not a training aid. (I'm glad C2 put the calculator page back up on their new website. Initially they didn't have it. I like it being there, and trust the results. Just have no use for them).

[nick rockliff]

Imo, that calculator is totally worthless.

Assuming decent technique, I would think that there's isn't a horrible correlation between a VO2 max based on erg pace and a VO2 max based on lab measurements on an erg.

You are 100% correct about the correlation. That's how C2 says they got the model behind the VO2 max calculator.

For runners and cyclists, watches estimate VO2 for a variety of workouts and keep display summary VO2max. VO2max trends are an easy way to see performance changes across sports without needing to do a consistent workout.

For rowers, the estimated VO2 max number (while correct) doesn't tell as much as the the 2K split time used to get it. So "that calculator is totally worthless". If C2 log gave us a VO2max value for every workout and a weighted, current summary VO2max we'd be using it and liking it. But as it is, rowing VO2max is a toy not a training aid. (I'm glad C2 put the calculator page back up on their new website. Initially they didn't have it. I like it being there, and trust the results. Just have no use for them).

Just had a look at this calculator. I put in my figures from period where I knew my 2k, weight and tested vo2max. It's miles out.