VO₂ Max: Why the Fitness Metric Isn't as Important as You Think

The VO2 Max Obsession: Why Your Fitness Tracker Might Be Misleading You

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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For years, the pursuit of peak physical fitness has been increasingly quantified. Thanks to the proliferation of smartwatches and fitness trackers, metrics like VO2 max – your maximum oxygen uptake during intense exercise – have become readily available. But is obsessing over this number truly beneficial, or are we misinterpreting what it tells us about our health? A growing chorus of experts, including cardiologist Eric Topol, suggests the latter.

Why it matters

VO2 max has traditionally been considered a key indicator of aerobic and cardiovascular health. However, accurately measuring VO2 max requires specialized laboratory equipment and professional supervision, making the readings from wearable devices estimates at best. Topol cautions against placing undue emphasis on a single data point and advocates for focusing on a more holistic measure: cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF).

The details

While often used interchangeably, CRF and VO2 max are distinct concepts. VO2 max is a physiological measurement of oxygen uptake, while CRF reflects your body's ability to use that oxygen during sustained physical activity. CRF is typically measured in METs (metabolic equivalents of task), representing the energy expenditure relative to rest. According to Topol, the vast majority of research linking fitness to positive health outcomes focuses on CRF, not VO2 max.

  • The VO2 Max Obsession: Why Your Fitness Tracker Might Be Misleading You article was published on 2026-02-24 02:53:09.

The players

Eric Topol

A cardiologist and the founder and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute.

Geoffrey Fowler

A journalist who received concerning health alerts based solely on his smartwatch's VO2 max estimate, despite maintaining a consistently active lifestyle.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.