About VO2 Max. Estimates

VO2 max. is the maximum volume of oxygen (in milliliters) you can consume per minute per kilogram of body weight at your maximum performance. In simple terms, VO2 max. is an indication of athletic performance and should increase as your level of fitness improves. The Approach® S72 device requires a compatible heart rate monitor to display your VO2 max. estimate. The device has separate VO2 max. estimates for running, cycling, and indoor rowing. You must run outside with GNSS or ride or row with a compatible power meter at a moderate level of intensity for several minutes to get an accurate VO2 max. estimate.

On the device, your VO2 max. estimate appears as a number, description, and position on the color gauge. On your Garmin Connect™ account, you can view additional details about your VO2 max. estimate, such as where it ranks for your age and sex.


VO2 max. data

Purple Purple

Superior

Cyan Blue

Excellent

Green Green

Good

Orange Orange

Fair

Red Red

Poor

VO2 max. data is provided by Garmin Human Performance Lab™. VO2 max. analysis is provided with permission from The Cooper Institute®. For more information, see the appendix (VO2 Max. Standard Ratings), and go to www.CooperInstitute.org.

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October 2026