Oura Ring upgrades cardiovascular tracking with new effort metrics

Cardio Effort shifts the focus from external performance metrics to internal cardiovascular load. By analyzing both the intensity and duration of an activity, the system provides a plain-language rating that compares a user’s current weekly output against their personalized baseline. The scale ranges from Light to Reaching, identifying when a user is effectively building fitness or when they have overextended their system and should prioritize rest.

Alongside this, the ring’s VO2 Max tracking—formerly known as Cardio Capacity—is now automated. Previously, users were required to perform a cumbersome six-minute walking test to calibrate their aerobic capacity readings. The new integration eliminates this manual hurdle for owners of the Gen 3 model and later, provided they maintain an active Oura membership.