In the high-stakes ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final against New Zealand, Virat Kohli not only scored his 50th ODI hundred but also grabbed attention with a nondescript wristband on his wrist.
This seemingly simple accessory is the WHOOP wearable fitness tracker, favored by elite athletes such as LeBron James, Michael Phelps, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods.
Developed by US wearable technology company WHOOP, the band stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness, providing physiological insights without the need for a screen or traditional smartwatch functionality.
WHOOP helps athletes get one of the most important things about their performance – data.
WHOOP’s strap features five sensors that measure data such as heart rate, heart rate variability, ambient temperature, motion, and skin conductivity. After the device was powered for five days, it generated approximately 100 MB of data per day, providing a comprehensive overview of the user’s physiology.
WHOOP works with the app to provide insights into daily recovery, cardiovascular stress, training load and sleep quality, making it a digital personal trainer for athletes.
LEDs and photodiodes on the strap accurately capture data, providing accurate metrics that are constantly evolving and backed by science.
WHOOP calculates recovery status based on resting heart rate and heart rate variability, guiding users to prepare for high-intensity training.
The band performs detailed sleep cycle analysis, assessing sleep quality, disruptions and sleep type, providing valuable data for optimal recovery.
The app features a stress coach feature that helps users optimize their workouts by recommending daily training levels based on recovery status and current stress. WHOOP’s app allows users to visualize daily data and long-term trends, examine sleep data, recovery status and strain scores.
WHOOP’s design allows users to wear it in different locations, making it versatile and adaptable to different preferences. WHOOP’s form factor allows users to wear it on the wrist, bicep, clothing, socks, or underwear, providing flexibility and accessibility.
Equipped with a durable Onyx SuperKnit strap and a waterproof wireless battery, WHOOP has an IP68 dust-proof rating, is waterproof up to 10 meters, and has a battery life of up to two hours.
WHOOP is tailored to specific users, providing insights into health, sleep cycles and recovery, making it ideal for runners, fitness enthusiasts and crossfit coaches. While WHOOP integrates metrics in an intuitive way, users can achieve similar tracking using a smartwatch or dedicated app, depending on their preference.
WHOOP’s focus on limited tracking beyond recovery and cardio may not be suitable for users looking for broader health metrics. Although WHOOP is easily accessible, it is considered most beneficial for a small group of elite athletes, emphasizing recovery and cardiovascular strain.
The latest version, WHOOP 4.0, requires an expensive monthly subscription fee and may not be ideal for users looking for extensive tracking beyond recovery.