Oura expands fitness tracking with new cardiovascular metrics

Oura is expanding its wearable technology capabilities by introducing new cardiovascular and fitness tracking features designed to compete with performance-focused devices from Garmin and Apple.

The company is launching ‘Cardio Effort’, a metric that uses the Training Impulse (TRIMP) framework to measure cardiovascular strain based on workout intensity and duration. This feature evaluates effort relative to a user’s resting heart rate and categorizes weekly totals into five personalized ranges: Light, Fair, Maintaining, Building, or Reaching. To establish an accurate baseline, users may need to wear the device for up to two weeks.

Additionally, Oura has updated its VO2 max estimation. The new automated process estimates aerobic fitness from GPS-enabled outdoor activities, replacing previous methods. While these updates move the smart ring beyond sleep and recovery into comprehensive fitness tracking, the company notes that certain high-intensity strength exercises, such as deadlifts or bench presses, may cause the optical sensor to lose signal due to grip pressure, potentially leading to underestimated strain.