Measuring maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) is far more than just a „fitness score“ for smartwatch owners. It is considered the gold standard for assessing cardiorespiratory fitness.

This measurement is particularly useful when you want to go beyond mere estimation on your wrist and obtain valid data for training or health.

With Seismofit we are using a technology that is fundamentally different from conventional sports watches or the classic breathing mask.

Instead of appreciating your fitness during a sweaty run, Seismofit uses Seismocardiography. A small sensor on your breastbone measures the fine The micro-vibrations of your heart, while you are in complete silence location.

When does the measurement make sense?

If you cannot or do not want to perform a stress test

The classic VO₂max measurement (spiroergometry) requires exertion to the maximum – this is extremely strenuous and simply not possible for some people (e.g., those with joint problems, severe obesity, or after illnesses).

• The advantage: You get a clinically validated value without breaking a sweat. This makes it ideal for Re-entry after breaks.

2. As a precise baseline measurement

Smartwatches often „guess“ by linking heart rate and speed. However, if you're running on hilly terrain or the watch isn't tight enough, the value fluctuates significantly.

• The advantage: Since Seismofit measures at rest, disruptive factors such as running surface, weather, or GPS inaccuracies are eliminated. It provides a very stable foundation for your true fitness level to be determined.

3. For long-term health monitoring

Since the measurement is only about 3 minutes and uncomplicated, it is ideally suited for regular monitoring (e.g., every 3 months).

• Useful for: People who want to keep an eye on their „biological age.“ A decreasing VO₂ max value Inactivity can be an early warning sign that the cardiovascular system needs more attention.

4. Training Success Monitoring

When you measure with Seismofit, you see black and white whether your training mechanical heart function improved.

• The kicker: Because Seismofit's AI algorithms are based on clinical data, the correlation to the gold standard (cardiopulmonary exercise testing) is significantly higher than with a standard smartwatch.

5. In Competitive Sports: The „Engine Displacement Principle“

In endurance sports (running, cycling, triathlon), the $VO_2max$ comparable to engine displacement. It indicates how much oxygen your body can utilize under maximum exertion.

• Performance Diagnostics To determine if you are genetically more suited for short distances or marathons.

• Training Control A professional spiroergometry test provides, in addition to $VO_2max$ also the anaerobic threshold. Only in this way can training zones (endurance 1, endurance 2, intervals) be precisely defined.

• Progress Report: To see if the cardiovascular system has actually become more efficient after a tough training block.

6. In recreational sports: overcoming plateau phases

If you feel like you’re not getting faster despite diligent training, measuring can bring clarity:

• Is oxygen uptake already at its limit (then running economy needs to be worked on)?

• Or is the „pump“ not yet fully utilized (then more high-intensity intervals are needed)?

7. From a health perspective: The „Longevity Factor“

Modern medicine increasingly views VO₂max as one of the strongest predictors of overall life expectancyAll-cause mortality).

• Prevention A high value strongly correlates with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.

• Preoperative diagnostics: Before major surgery, the VO₂max value is often measured to assess the risk of complications during and after the procedure.

• Motivation For people making lifestyle changes, improving VO₂max is a measurable and highly motivating success.

  Why is it important to know your worth?

  The VO₂max value provides information about your body's overall health. For this reason, the American Heart Association (AHA) considers VO₂max a more important health indicator than other known risk factors. A recent study of 750,000 Americans has confirmed the importance of VO₂max.
  VO₂max is a stronger risk factor than, for example, known heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Furthermore, the study shows that moderate physical activity improves VO₂max and has a significant impact on prognosis.

  The invisible risk

  Traditional health checkups offer valuable insights, but they often overlook a crucial indicator of overall health and longevity: cardiovascular fitness.
  The American Heart Association and extensive research recognize VO₂max as:
  „Probably the strongest indicator of health»
  
  Omitting this biomarker may mean you miss early warning signs of health risks and are unable to proactively implement important lifestyle changes.

  Follow:

  VO₂max offers a clear picture of overall health and fitness

  Person. If you don't measure it, you miss miss the opportunity for early intervention and lifestyle change, health problems could possibly worsen.

  Why VO₂max is important?

  Studies show that a high VO₂max is associated with the following benefits:
  • Reduced risk of chronic diseases, by:
  Heart disease
  Diabetes
  Certain types of cancer
  • Reduced mortality
  • Lower risk of depression
  • Fewer sick days
  • Improved physical performance and endurance
  • Increased energy and less fatigue
  • Improved mental well-being and mood
  • Stronger immune system

  At the same time, data shows that even small improvements in your VO₂max can lead to significant improvements in your overall health.

When is it not sensible, measure the VO₂max value?

• For pure strength athletes:
  Here the value provides little information about sports-specific performance or improvement.

• Daily measurement:
  The VO₂ max value changes slowly. A professional measurement usually only makes sense every 6 to 12 months.

  Benefits of Using Seismofit

  • Execution in just 3 minutes.
  • No physical activity required.
  • High accuracy, validated by multiple universities.
  • At a cost of 80 Swiss francs, very affordable (time and sweat saving, and much cheaper than a spiroergometry test).

Important notice: The values from your Apple Watch or Garmin are good estimates based on heart rate and pace, but not actual measurements of respiratory gases. True cardiopulmonary exercise testing takes place with a breathing mask on a treadmill or ergometer.

With VentriJects Seismofit, you simply need to relax and lie down for a maximum of three minutes. Seismofit measures heart efficiency, which translates into a VO₂max estimation that shows a strong correlation with the measurement of a true VO₂max test.

The Seismofit test does not require physical activity and can therefore be performed on anyone.