In the high-stakes ICC Cricket World Cup semi-finals against New Zealand, Virat Kohli not only secured his 50th ODI hundred but also sported an inconspicuous band on his wrist, grabbing attention.
This plain-looking accessory is the WHOOP wearable fitness band, favoured by elite athletes like LeBron James, Michael Phelps, Rory Mcllroy, and Tiger Woods.
Developed by US-based wearable technology company WHOOP, the band stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness, offering insights into physiology without screens or traditional smartwatch features.
WHOOP helps athletes with one of the most important thing about their performance – data.
WHOOP’s strap features five sensors measuring data such as heart rate, heart rate variability, ambient temperature, movement, and skin conductivity. Powered for five days, the device generates approximately 100 MB of data daily, providing a comprehensive overview of the user’s physiology.
Paired with an app, WHOOP delivers insights into daily recovery, cardiovascular strain, training load, and sleep quality, making it a digital personal coach for athletes.
LEDs and photodiodes on the band capture data with precision, offering accurate metrics that are constantly evolving and science-backed.
WHOOP calculates recovery status based on resting heart rate and heart rate variability, guiding users on their readiness for intense training.
The band conducts detailed sleep cycle analysis, assessing sleep quality, disturbances, and types of sleep, providing valuable data for optimal recovery.
The app features a Strain Coach recommending daily training levels based on recovery status and current strain, aiding users in optimizing workouts. WHOOP’s app allows users to visualize daily data and long-term trends, examining sleep data, recovery status, and strain scores.
WHOOP’s design allows users to wear it in various locations, making it versatile and adaptable to different preferences. WHOOP’s form factor allows users to wear it on the wrist, biceps, clothes, socks, or underwear, providing flexibility and accessibility.
With a durable Onyx SuperKnit band and a waterproof wireless battery, WHOOP is IP68 dust-proof and water-resistant up to 10 meters for up to two hours.
WHOOP is tailored for specific users, offering insights into wellness, sleep cycles, and recovery, making it ideal for runners, gym-goers, and crossfit trainers. While WHOOP consolidates metrics in an intuitive way, users may achieve similar tracking with smartwatches or dedicated apps, depending on their preferences.
WHOOP’s focus on recovery and limited tracking beyond cardio exercise may not suit users seeking a broader range of health metrics. Despite its accessibility, WHOOP is recognized as most beneficial for a small subset of elite athletes, emphasizing recovery and cardiovascular strain.
The latest iteration, WHOOP 4.0, comes with an expensive monthly subscription and may not be the ideal choice for users seeking extensive tracking beyond recovery.