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A fitness 'watch' that tracks your sleep, workouts, recovery, heart rate and overall health initially sounded a little too 'Big Brother' to me. I wasn't sure if I wanted to be under constant surveillance, with my every twist and turn tracked.
However, our executive science editor, Xantha Leatham, recently tested the Oura Ring 4 and loved using it. It's a similar wearable device that can track health, sleep and more.
What's more, as an avid fitness fanatic and self-professed health freak, I also wondered if such a gadget could be just what I needed - a way to track my progress and actually improve my health.
The new WHOOP wearable device and app seemed like a great way to try out my theory. It's more advanced than a simple step counter and more target than a standard fitness watch.
Would it be a great way to outsource my health tracking, helping me to be even healthier - or a recipe for disaster? I tested the new watch-like gadget for a couple of months to get a true measure of what it could do. Here's what happened...
WHOOP wearable fitness tracker
Our verdict
WHOOP 5.0 ★★★★★ £169 from WHOOP £206.10 from John Lewis
Product Specs: Weight 26.5 g, Material Stainless steel and other durable, skin-safe metals
What we love: Ease - Super simple to use; Detail - Tracks lots of features
What could be better: Cost - Expensive - and doesn't have normal watch functions too like a Garmin
Our verdict
The WHOOP device and app promised to turn my data 'into clear, personalised coaching.' The website explains: 'Get daily guidance to make informed decisions, build healthier habits, and improve your long-term health.' On that promise, it well and truly delivered from the get-go.
I wore the nifty gadget every night and day for a month as it tracked my metrics, asking me questions on my eating, drinking, sleeping and exercise habits to provide me with detailed feedback.
I initially wondered if it would make me push myself too hard - and worried that a fitness device like this would make me focus even more on my downfalls. But in fact, it was quite the opposite. The gadget told me when I slept well and when I didn't, and how recovered and energised I was - effectively encouraging me to rest when I actually needed it.
As well as this, it helped me ensure that not only did I get a good night's sleep, but that I had consistent bedtimes. There's nothing quite like a regular reminder to go to sleep to get you motivated to do so - it was a bit like being told it was bedtime by my mum as a child!
For me, one of the best features of the gadget was its heart rate tracker, especially while running. Rather than assessing my workouts based on what I assumed, I could actually see how hard I was working - and I loved the suggestions as to how to even further improve my activities.
One humorous moment did occur, though - after spending an hour vacuuming and cleaning my flat, I was asked by the app if I had been playing field hockey!
Overall, I'd recommend WHOOP to anyone looking to improve their sleep and day to day fitness routine. The gentle reminders are a great way to stay on top of your health - and I didn't feel like I was being constantly watched by it.
How we test
The watch was simple to set up and easy to use, with a basic black design. When testing sports and health products like the WHOOP wearable, we try them out thoroughly and use them exactly how we would on a typical day. We give them the sort of challenges they are likely to face.
My tests involved me partaking in a variety of workouts. I started by running a 5k outside, a typical training run for me. I also used it every day for a month to track my sleep and recovery and logged how it made me feel while wearing it. I also considered value for money and design - there are a lot of fitness trackers out there, so I wanted to see how WHOOP, and its app, stood up against other big names.
WHOOP wearable fitness tracker review
First impressions
The gadget is easy to set up - you charge it for 15 minutes, then download the app, put on the wristband and watch it work its magic. I quickly saw how much of an impact a poor night's sleep had on my recovery rate, and it took me less than a week to fall in line - my sleep at first started around 50 to 60 percent, which later improved to above the 80 per cent mark.
The app is easy to use and another perk is how long the WHOOP battery lasts before you need to charge it - at least three weeks in my case.
Performance
After a month, my WHOOP wearable had calibrated to my lifestyle - even helping me build a better running training plan with suggestions from a digital 'coach'. Plus, it told me my WHOOP age was 25.7 - not bad, given I am indeed 25 years old! It was helpful to know my fitness, recovery and health are on track. After a month, I had dropped to 25.4 - so it really does help you improve your fitness and health.
The only downside? I will admit, it made me slightly obsessive - with a single late night occasionally causing unnecessary worry.
Value for money
Overall, with a range of membership plans on offer depending on your aims and budget, this is a great option. This sort of gadget is perfect for those seeking to upgrade their health, though - I think it would be ideal for someone looking to kickstart their fitness journey, or push themselves to the next level. I also liked its ability to track my menstrual cycle, log symptoms, and discover how hormonal shifts affected my sleep, recovery and training.
How does it compare to similar products?
My research suggested some of the competitors online include the Amazfit Helio Ring/Strap, as well as Garmin Forerunner watches, Fitbits and the Oura Ring. The Amazfit Helio Ring/Straps rate well online, and are slightly cheaper. In the past, Fitbits were the fitness tracker of choice - but are fast being overtaken by newer alternatives. Oura rings are subtle, but can be more expensive.
How does it rate online?
WHOOP rates very well online, with five stars at John Lewis and four on Healf. One positive review reads: 'My husband isn't keen on wearing watches, but this is super light and durable with amazing data to help with your daily life goals and fitness, good to keep an eye on the data for anything that isn't working well in the body, health alerts, and analysis is great, very data-driven. Highly recommend.'
Another adds: 'Really enjoying the level of analysis this WHOOP device has given me. It's helping improve my sleep quality and also gives me an indication of my stress levels throughout the day. Highly recommend.'
A third explained: 'I've had Whoop MG for coming up on seven months now and can say that it provides great insights into activities, sleep and all manner of other metrics, and I think it can really help prompt thinking about activity/strain levels through the day and where some more rest is needed. The agent is also good in proposing alternative exercise routines, rest patterns, etc.'
WHOOP 5.0 £169 BUY NOW
Why trust us
At the Daily Mail, our team of expert testers have been researching, reviewing and writing about their respective specialisms for years. Erin has lots of experience reviewing and writing about a range of products from travel to beauty. All of her reviews are honest, impartial and give a full-rounded opinion of the products she tests.
Is wearing a WHOOP worth it?
A WHOOP is great if you're trying to understand your health and fitness better. While it might not be the best for avid fitness fanatics - or anyone who gets too anxious about sleep - it's an excellent tool for understanding your sleep and recovery.
Does WHOOP pick up atrial fibrillation?
Heart Screener, exclusive to WHOOP Life, helps you detect atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common heart arrhythmia, as well as identify high or low heart rate with on-demand ECG readings – so you can assess your heart’s electrical activity anytime, anywhere. The ECG feature measures the electrical signals that regulate your heartbeat, offering a deeper level of analysis than simple heart rate.
