From Virat Kohli to LeBron James, here’s why elite athletes prefer WHOOP bands

Virat Kohli scored his 50th ODI hundred in a thrilling ICC World Cup semi-final against New Zealand. It was certainly a spectacle, but another thing that caught the attention of fans was a technique used by the 35-year-old Indian cricketer. During the match, Kohli wore a rather plain-looking sports band, leaving fans curious as to the reason for his choice of accessory. For those who don’t know, this is a wearable fitness tracker from WHOOP. This health and fitness tracker is favored by many elite athletes, including NBA stars LeBron James, Michael Phelps, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods.

What is the band WHOOP?

WHOOP is a US-based technology company known for its advanced health and fitness tracking products. It allows users to monitor physical activity, recovery, stress, and more. Its straps stand out from competitors for their simplicity and clean appearance. Unlike other fitness trackers, the WHOOP tracker does not have a screen. Its strap consists of five sensors that measure user data such as heart rate and its variability, ambient temperature, movement, and skin conductivity.

Its battery lasts up to five days and generates 100MB of data per day. When used in conjunction with its mobile app, users can gain access to a wide range of data insights, including recovery, cardiovascular stress, training load and sleep quality. It acts as a personal digital coach for the user. WHOOP claims its evolving indicators are accurate and “scientifically based.” It features five LEDs and four photodiodes for precise data capture.

A key aspect of the WHOOP app is the Strain Coach feature, which recommends personalized daily training levels to users based on their recovery status and current strain. It also provides access to long-term trends and daily data visualizations. Another important factor that many elite athletes prefer over traditional fitness bands is its unique design.

Users are free to decide where to wear it during high-intensity workouts or sports. The WHOOP band can be worn on the wrist, biceps, clothing, socks or underwear, giving users a sense of flexibility and freedom of movement. It features a durable Onyx SuperKnit strap and a waterproof wireless battery. It has an IP68 dust-proof rating and is waterproof to a depth of 10 meters and for up to two hours. However, its latest version, WHOOP 4.0, comes with an expensive monthly fee, which may not be advisable for those not looking for extensive data on sleep and recovery.