Airofit has launched CORE, an €99 respiratory muscle trainer that replaces ACTIVE as the company’s entry-level device. The new model strips away the electronics found in Airofit’s higher-end products while keeping adjustable resistance for both inhalation and exhalation.

CORE does not measure your breathing performance. Airofit's app provides guided workouts, training history, and adjustable programmes, while resistance is changed manually on the device. Users can later add Airofit’s electronic unit to upgrade towards the functionality of its €299 ELITE system.

Training the muscles behind breathing

Respiratory muscle training works much like other forms of resistance training. The diaphragm and other breathing muscles have to work harder when inhaling or exhaling against resistance, with repeated training intended to increase their strength and fatigue resistance.

There is evidence behind the approach. A 2025 meta-analysis covering 25 studies and 522 athletes found a meaningful increase in maximal inspiratory pressure, a standard measure of how forcefully someone can inhale. Some measures of athletic performance also improved, although the authors rated the overall evidence as low to very low quality.

An earlier meta-analysis also found improvements in inspiratory strength and a moderate effect on sports performance, without clear improvements in standard cardiopulmonary measures.

A simpler entry into Airofit

CORE separates the actual training stimulus from Airofit’s sensing layer. The mechanical resistance remains, while the more premium ELITE model adds airflow and pressure sensing, live feedback and respiratory testing.

As more regular consumers get into endurance sports, Airofit now provides them with a cheaper entry into breathing training. It keeps a clear upgrade path for users who later want measurement and feedback, without needing to buy a whole new model.