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Let’s be real—life moves fast, and keeping up with our health can feel overwhelming. That’s where wearable technology comes in, and honestly, I’m all for it.
Smartwatches and fitness bands aren’t just about counting steps anymore; they’re like having a personal health assistant on your person with 24/7 access to information.
Whether it’s tracking your sleep, monitoring your recovery, or getting yelled at by your garmin for being lazy giving you a nudge to get moving, these devices are changing the way we think about health.
In this post, I want to dive into how smartwatches and fitness trackers from brands like Apple, Garmin, and WHOOP are reshaping our approach to wellness. Spoiler: these gadgets aren’t just for tech geeks or gym junkies— training all the live long day and competing in professional sports, they’re for anyone who wants to live a healthier, more balanced life.
*The First Responder in me is screaming at any potential FR reading to pay attention, because staying on top of these metrics is super important to stay healthy and on top of the grind around shift work."
Why Wearable Tech Excites Me
I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a tech enthusiast, gear junkie, honestly the names have gotten creative on my pursuits of tacticool shiny, and new - but health tech just hits different.
These devices have evolved from being simple step counters to sophisticated health trackers. Take the Apple Watch, for example. It’s great for those who want an all-in-one device. It monitors everything from your steps to your sleep, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and even ECGs. Plus, if you’re an iPhone user, it syncs up seamlessly, and has some pretty cool apps on it.
Then there’s Garmin. The leader of GPS wearable technology and found pretty much on every wrist of any endurance event out there these days, which is why its perfect even if you arn't a competitive athlete, because they tailor to any fitness or outdoor adventures. As far as the metics go on top of GPS (which isnt what we are covering here, stay on track Chris...) Options like the Forerunner or Fenix series give you advanced metrics like VO2 max and heart rate variability (HRV)—data that’s especially helpful if you’re training hard.
Then of course, there’s WHOOP. This one’s for those who really want to focus on recovery and optimizing their performance. It doesn’t have a screen, it doesnt tell time, it's built with one purpose and thats tracking your metrics. WHOOP goes deep into all things sleep and recovery data and even gives you a “strain score” to help you balance your training, activity, and rest.
Personally, I love that there’s a wearable for everyone—whether your goal is to sleep better, crush workouts, or just manage stress.
What These Gadgets Can Teach Us About Our Health
Here’s the thing about smartwatches: end of the day they give you insights into your body that you wouldn’t have noticed otherwise.
Let’s break down some of the key health metrics these devices track and why they matter.
1. Sleep Tracking
I think we’ve all been guilty of brushing off sleep, but the truth is, it’s the foundation of everything—your mood, energy, and even your fitness. Wearables can monitor your sleep stages (light, deep, and REM), total sleep time, and overall quality.
What’s cool is how this data can help you tweak your habits. For example, if you’re getting poor deep sleep, it might be time to cut back on late-night caffeine or start a relaxing whine-down routine. I’ve found WHOOP’s “Sleep Coach” super helpful—it even suggests when to go to bed based on how hard I’ve worked during the day.
2. Resting Heart Rate (RHR)
RHR is one of those sneaky little metrics that says a lot about your health. A lower RHR generally means you’re in good shape, while a higher RHR could be a sign of stress or overtraining.
I like to keep an eye on trends here. If my RHR starts creeping up, it’s a signal to take a rest day or dial back the intensity of my workouts. Garmin and WHOOP both integrate RHR into their recovery scores, which makes it easy to see how you’re doing at a glance.
3. Daily Steps and Activity Levels
Okay, steps might sound basic, but hear me out—it’s a simple, effective way to make sure you’re staying active. I aim for 7,000–10,000 steps a day, but honestly, some days I fall short. What I love about it though, is it gives me something to work towards and without having to add pressure to it - I'm still able to see where I am at, and if possible make sure I hit those milestones.
For those of you who aren’t into step counting, devices like WHOOP track strain from other activities like weightlifting or cycling, so you’re still covered. (But they track steps now too ;) )
4. Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
If you’re not familiar with HRV, it’s basically a measure of how well your body is balancing stress and recovery. Higher HRV means you’re in a good place, while lower HRV can signal fatigue or overtraining.
This is one of my favorite metrics because it’s a game-changer for adjusting workouts. On low HRV days, I might swap an intense session for yoga or a light jog. Garmin and WHOOP do an excellent job breaking this down, while the Apple Watch tracks it too, though with fewer insights.
5. Caloric Burn and Heart Rate Zones
Wearables don’t just tell you how many calories you’re burning—they also show you which heart rate zones you’re training in, like fat-burning or anaerobic.
For me, this is key for making sure I’m not overdoing it (or underdoing it) during workouts.
Garmin excels at this, especially if you’re into data-heavy training, but the Apple Watch keeps it simple and fun with its activity rings.
6. Stress Monitoring
Stress is such a huge factor in overall health, and wearables have made it easier to monitor. Apple and Garmin devices give you stress scores based on heart rate and HRV, and some even offer guided breathing exercises. I’ve found these tools surprisingly helpful—it’s like having a little reminder to slow down and breathe when life gets hectic.
How I Use Wearable Data to Stay on Track
Here’s my advice: owning a smartwatch isn’t enough. Its just data..
The magic happens when you actually use the data to make changes.
Set Goals That Matter: Start small—better sleep, more steps, or lowering your RHR.
Monitor Trends: Look at the bigger picture rather than obsessing over daily numbers.
Sync With Apps: I love pairing my device with apps like Garmin Connect and of course Strava for a complete view of my progress.
Prioritize Recovery: If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that recovery is just as important as workouts. Use HRV and sleep data to balance your efforts and stay consistent.
Which Device Should You Choose?
If you’re thinking about jumping into wearable tech, here’s how I’d break it down:
Apple Watch: Great for casual users who want a versatile device that does a bit of everything.
Garmin: Perfect for athletes or outdoor adventurers who love detailed metrics.
WHOOP: Best for those focused on recovery and willing to invest in a subscription for advanced insights.
Which do you use?
Garmin
Apple
Whoop
Other
Final Thoughts: Why I’m a Wearable Tech Fan
At the end of the day, smartwatches and fitness trackers aren’t just gadgets—they’re tools that can help you understand your body in ways you never thought possible. For me, it’s about using that data to make meaningful changes, whether it’s sleeping better, training smarter, or just finding balance.
If you’re on the fence, my advice is simple: give it a shot. Strap on a smartwatch, start tracking, and see where it takes you. Trust me, your future self will thank you for it.
Chris Gilbert - CPT, TSAC, ACP.
Head Coach - TNT Fitness
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