Tracking This Metric Can Minimize Stress & Improve Your Workouts

WHOOP has only been on the scene since 2015, but it’s grown quickly in popularity with pro athletes and weekend workout warriors alike. The newest model, the WHOOP 4.0, is a faceless, comfy knit band, with sensors that track data throughout your day and while you sleep. All data is housed in the WHOOP app, which provides a daily score for sleep performance, recovery, and strain (or physical exertion), so you can tailor your activity accordingly.

Your HRV is monitored through the “Recovery” tab, along with a newer feature, the “Health Monitor,” which identifies your typical heart rate, resting heart rate, heart-rate variability, skin temperature, and blood oxygen levels. Your wristband will even send alerts when you deviate from your standard levels.

A hands-on take from the writer:

"I wore the WHOOP 3.0 for about a year. I loved the intuitive platform and how much data there was to peruse every day. It also just looks cool and is really comfortable to wear. One thing that got in my way, though, was the psychological factor of the Strain and Recovery scores. I didn’t love the few days that my mental state (I’m ready to work out!) didn’t match what the app was telling me (you actually need to recover). I also don’t love sleeping in wearable devices, which is key for getting the most accurate, robust data about your recovery. That being said, I love that the 4.0 is 33% smaller than the last model I wore—which was already pretty sleek!"

One of our all-time favorite sleep trackers, this little ring collects a ton of data through your finger, and sends it to the corresponding app for you to view (with a paid membership). You’ll find HRV in the “Readiness” section of the Oura app, alongside insights like respiratory rate, body temperature, and resting heart rate. The app gives you a “Readiness Score” each day, to measure how rested you are—so you can choose to tackle the day or take it easy.

Other features include automatic activity tracking for over 30 types of activity, menstrual cycle tracking through your body temperature, and a “Rest Mode” feature, which lets you opt out of tracking days on days when you’re sick or overly-stressed (although this information can be helpful to know!).

A hands-on take from the writer:

"I tried out the Oura Ring a while back and it’s really impressive. The data, especially from sleep, is extremely thorough while still being user-friendly for the average human, like me. While the platform is really cool, I stopped wearing it because I’m a runner and I prefer a tracker with a face. I also have smaller hands (I’m 5’3”) and the ring felt clunky—I might have gotten used to it if I committed to wearing it more, though."

While they’re certainly best fit for activity versus all-day use, research suggests that chest straps are the most accurate method of monitoring heart rate. The Polar H10 is one of the most reputable sensors, as it uses ECG (electrocardiogram) electrodes (the same method doctors use for ECG tests in hospitals) to measure the electrical activity of your heart.

The strap can be connected to your smartphone, broadcast to equipment through Bluetooth, and synced with your favorite fitness apps. All metrics are viewable via the free corresponding app, and through the brand’s smartwatch (sold separately). It also pairs with most other trackers, regardless of the brand.

With up to 400 hours of battery life, this strap gets great reviews from athletes of all levels for reliable data and a comfortable fit. The only potential downside is that this strap is intended to be worn during activity versus 24/7, so you’ll likely not want to wear it to work or sleep.

Garmin is one of the biggest names out there in activity tracking, and the brand is widely popular with athletes of all levels. Its Forerunner series is a fan-favorite (especially among runners and triathletes) for the wide array of features the watch offers, including quality GPS tracking for a range of activities, AI-driven coaching, and optional built-in music library.

While it is geared toward runners, you don’t need to be training for a race to reap the benefits of this watch. Additional noteworthy features include: access to your calendar, phone notifications, and contactless payments. With the Forerunner 255’s “Morning Report,” it’s easy to get a view of your overnight HRV and recovery status on the watch itself (assuming you slept with it on), or by using the brand’s free app (for a deeper dive).

It’s also available in two different case sizes and a few different color options.

Hands-on take from the writer:

"I wear and run in the Forerunner 245, a slightly different model, and I really love it. It’s a great tracker with solid battery life, reliable GPS, and an intuitive interface. Unfortunately, the 245 doesn’t have the same HRV monitoring as the 255, so I can’t speak to that feature. It’s also a larger watch to sleep in for smaller folks (I don’t sleep in mine)."

While it might not be suitable for advanced athletes, this smaller smartwatch is a great, less-expensive option, and one that doesn’t compromise on data measurement. It has a smaller screen, but still offers plenty of features, like GPS activity tracking, push notifications from your phone, and continuous heart rate monitoring.

The brand’s app provides insight into your sleep performance, workout stats, and (of course) heart rate variability. While these metrics are free, a premium membership ($10 per month) proves a more advanced wellness report, a daily “Readiness Score,” community features, mindfulness meditations, and programmed workouts.

The latest iteration, the Series 8, is Apple’s most tricked-out watch yet. In addition to sleep and activity tracking, GPS, optional cellular service, and countless other features, it includes an ECG sensor that allows you to take an electrocardiogram reading of your heart. While this is a cool feature for in-the-moment insights into your heart health, you’ll need to tap into the (free) Apple Health app if you want to track HRV trends over time.

Other standout features of the Apple Watch Series 8 are fall detection, temperature & menstrual cycle tracking, and tons of options for customizing the look of your watch band and face.