In the world of fitness, tracking calories burned is a crucial aspect of achieving your goals. With the rise of wearable technology, fitness trackers have become an essential tool for monitoring progress. But how accurate are they? These days, there are tons of fitness tracker options on the market, and we can’t speak for all of them. But, through a comprehensive review, we can spotlight the WHOOP 4.0, a wrist-worn fitness tracker that promises up-to-the-minute information on your body’s performance.
What is the WHOOP band?
Created by WHOOP, this band is a simple, fabric strap that looks more like a stylish accessory than a high-tech gadget. But don’t let its understated appearance fool you. This band is packed with advanced technology that tracks nearly every aspect of your physical and mental well-being. From heart rate variability (HRV) to sleep quality, the WHOOP band provides an unparalleled level of insight into your body’s performance.
Discover the WHOOP 4.0…
Calling itself “the latest, most advanced fitness and health wearable available,” the WHOOP 4.0 is a cutting-edge fitness tracker designed for serious athletes and health enthusiasts who want to optimize their performance and recovery. Unlike traditional fitness trackers, it focuses on providing detailed insights into your body’s recovery, strain, and sleep patterns.
The WHOOP 4.0 features a sleek, screenless design that is 33% smaller than its predecessor, making it more comfortable and unobtrusive to wear. The band is IP68 dustproof and water-resistant up to 10 meters for up to 2 hours, allowing you to wear it during various activities. The tracker can be worn on the wrist or integrated into specialized athletic wear like compression tops and leggings.
What’s more, the WHOOP 4.0 boasts an impressive battery life of four to five days, despite its smaller size. The battery design, which uses Sila’s Silicon anode technology, offers 17% higher energy density and a longer life cycle. The waterproof battery pack allows for convenient charging and a double-tap to check the battery level.
What does WHOOP track?
The WHOOP 4.0 is equipped with advanced sensors that monitor your heart rate, skin temperature, blood oxygen levels (SpO2), and more. It also provides detailed insights into your sleep quality, recovery, calories, stress, and strain levels. This helps you understand how your body responds to different activities and lifestyle factors.
The tracker’s “Health Monitor” feature displays live data on your heart rate, skin temperature, blood oxygen, resting heart rate (RHR), heart rate variability (HRV), and respiratory rate. This information is presented in a visually appealing app interface, although it may require some learning to interpret the data effectively.
Does WHOOP track calories?
Yes, WHOOP tracks calories! As you set up your account, you’ll be required to input your height, weight, gender, and age. Based on this information, WHOOP will calculate your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate). BMR represents the number of calories the body needs to function at rest, and it varies from person to person. As your heart rate increases, WHOOP adds this increase to their BMR estimate. This is because a higher heart rate indicates higher energy expenditure.
The algorithm is based on the concept of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), which is the increased oxygen consumption by the body after exercise. By measuring the user’s heart rate and other physiological data during and after exercise, WHOOP can estimate the amount of oxygen consumed and calculate the number of calories burned.
Is WHOOP accurate for calories?
Studies have shown that WHOOP’s calorie tracking feature is generally accurate, but it may not be perfect. A study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences found that WHOOP’s calorie estimates were within 10-15% of the actual values measured using a metabolic cart. Another study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that WHOOP’s calorie estimates were accurate during low-to-moderate intensity exercise, but may underestimate calorie expenditure during high-intensity exercise.
Real-world testing has also shown that WHOOP’s calorie tracking feature is generally accurate. In a review published on CNET, the author found that WHOOP’s calorie estimates were consistent with those of other fitness trackers and heart rate monitors. However, the author noted that the estimates may be affected by factors such as the type of exercise, the user’s fitness level, and the accuracy of the user’s personal data.
Price and subscription
One of the main drawbacks of the WHOOP 4.0 is its premium pricing. The tracker is available through a subscription model, costing $30 per month for a minimum of six months. While this may be affordable for some, it can be a deterrent for casual users or those on a budget.
Is WHOOP for everyone?
Given what’s been said, WHOOP 4.0 isn’t for everyone. WHOOP’s Senior Vice President of Data Science and Research, Emily Capodilupo, explained in an interview: “WHOOP was originally designed with elite athletes in mind to optimize their performance, but it has since expanded to help a wide range of individuals understand their bodies and improve health and fitness.” Ultimately, purchasing WHOOP depends on what you’re looking for in a fitness tracker. If you’re someone who’s very interested in personalized health data, then WHOOP is the one for you.
WHOOP FAQs
Does WHOOP track steps?
Surprisingly, unlike some other fitness trackers that share the common feature of a built-in step counter, WHOOP doesn’t track steps. Instead, it focuses on monitoring your heart rate and overall physical activity levels.
Is WHOOP more accurate than other fitness trackers?
WHOOP provides detailed breakdowns and tends to be accurate, but the best tracker often depends on individual preferences and specific use cases.
Does it take time for WHOOP to start reporting accurate data?
Yes, it may take some time for WHOOP to start reporting accurate data. According to the brand, it’s impossible to know your body’s needs after wearing the device for just a few days. WHOOP monitors trends in fitness over time, so it’s recommended to wear the device regularly for at least two weeks to get a clear picture of your physical performance and progress.
Does WHOOP’s accuracy change depending on where you wear it on your body?
Yes, WHOOP’s accuracy can change depending on where you wear it on your body. It uses photoplethysmography (PPG) to monitor heart rate, and it’s recommended to wear it in close contact with your skin. There are certain exercises that warrant frequent wrist movements, making it difficult for the sensor to maintain skin contact. For this reason, it is recommended that you wear WHOOP snug against the skin, higher up on the arm, and closer to the elbow to improve accuracy. Wearing WHOOP on the bicep instead of the wrist can also improve accuracy and wearability.
Do you have to wear WHOOP 24/7 for the data to be accurate?
While WHOOP is designed for 24/7 use, it’s not necessary to wear it all the time for the data to be accurate. Wearing WHOOP depends on your tracking goals. For instance, if you want to track your sleep quality, you should wear it at night. Wearing it during the day when you’re awake will defeat the purpose of tracking your sleep. However, taking off the device for extended or frequent periods can result in missing strain data. It’s recommended to wear WHOOP regularly, but it’s not necessary to wear it 24/7.
Featured image: Courtesy of WHOOP
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