The Pros and Cons of Teach-Savvy Training and Fitness Wearables (From a Trainer Who’s Tried Them All)
Jun 05, 2025Sleep, Strength, Steps, Repeat:
As a fitness influencer who lives and breathes movement, I’ve had a front-row seat to how wearable technology has completely changed the way we train, recover, and stay motivated. From the Apple Watch to the Whoop strap and even the trendy Oura Ring, I’ve tried them all—and I’m here to share what’s worth your wrist (or finger) space and what to skip.
I started my wearable journey back in 2014 with the Apple Watch. It was sleek, simple, and a great motivator to close those rings each day. But as my career as a trainer took off, I wanted deeper insights—especially around recovery. That’s when I found Whoop in 2018. This device shifted my mindset from just doing more to recovering better. It tracks heart rate variability (HRV), sleep quality, and daily strain—all key markers in maximizing performance. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine shows that better sleep directly correlates with improved reaction time, mood, and energy, which Whoop helped me measure and improve!
When I needed to focus on light activity after surgery, I tested out the Oura Ring. It was perfect for tracking my steps and sleep while still looking stylish (let’s be real—half of fitness is feeling cute while doing it because hello, confidence??). But once I jumped back into heavy lifting and boxing, the ring became uncomfortable and got in the way of my grip. That was my sign to hit unsubscribe.
Now that I’m training more like a hybrid athlete—mixing strength with endurance—real-time data has become essential. I want to know what heart rate zone I’m in mid-run without pulling out my phone. This has me eyeing the Garmin watch next. It’s known for its GPS accuracy, customizable displays, and comprehensive fitness metrics, making it a top choice among runners and triathletes.
If you’re just getting started with wearable tech, here are three simple ways to ease in:
#1: Track your daily steps. Aim for 8,000–10,000 steps a day. Research from the Journal of the American Medical Association shows walking more each day is associated with lower mortality risk.
#2: Monitor your sleep. Good sleep improves muscle recovery and mental clarity. Even just seeing your sleep trends can help you prioritize rest. Trust me, you might be surprised by what you find!
#3: Measure recovery. Tools like HRV give insight into how stressed your body is. When recovery is low, consider lighter workouts or active rest days.
Here’s a bonus tip I cannot preach enough: don’t obsess over the numbers. Wearable data is an estimate—not a diagnosis. It’s a guide to help you spot trends, listen to your body, and make adjustments over time. If your wearable says you burned 300 calories, but you feel strong, energized, and focused–trust that!!
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Xo,
Coach Tatiana
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