If you got here to save 10% on a new Oura ring, here’s that link through their Refer a Friend program.
Otherwise, keep reading and I’ll explain more on that later.
Oura recently introduced a new feature that provides a better view into our overall cardiovascular health. Your smart ring now estimates VO2 max, or how efficiently your body delivers and utilizes oxygen during intense physical effort(1).
This blog post from Oura does a fantastic job explaining this measurement and how it can be used to assess your athletic ability. I’ve often heard friends talk about VO2 max while out hiking. However, it’s always been in the context of an exercise stress test — the one where you’re hooked up to all those sensors along with a breathing mask. I remember seeing Nims Purja show remarkable results in his documentary, 14 Peaks.
Measuring VO2max with your Oura Ring
I’m approaching this as a much more convenient and cost-effective way of getting this data for the average athlete. Realizing Oura’s method is only an estimate, I think it’s better than nothing until you reach the level of needing lab-based testing. It’s also one of the newest reasons I love my Oura ring. It offers me another way of evaluating my fitness progress while providing a measurement to track any changes over time.
Refer a Friend
If you like what you’ve read here, and want to purchase the latest Oura ring to start looking deeper into your health and wellness, I can refer up to 10 friends for 10% off here… it’s now even HSA/FSA eligible!
References:
(1) All About Cardio Capacity (VO2 Max)
