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Jovan Abernathy is an international marathoner and owner of Houston Tourism Gym. To claim your free tour, contact her at info@tourismgymhtx.com. Follow her on Twitter @jovanabernathy. Instagram @TourismGymHtx. Facebook @TourismGymHtx
It is 2020. The new decade is finally here. Of course, everyone has their fitness goals ready and set. Back in the day, we would usually break out the pad and pen and write down our goals. We would take the same pad and pen to the gym to keep track of our goals. But, it is 2020. We have modern technology that will track our goals for us. There are many devices now that will tell us all about ourselves and all of our metrics. I am super concerned about my sleep. I will also be running an international half marathon this year and will keep you all informed.Two devices that I am thinking about investing in are the FitBit and Whoop. Today, we are going to compare the two before I decide. I'm judging the price and the sleep metrics, heart rate, and calories burned are tracked.
FitBit
Since it has been on the market the longest, let's consider the FitBit, first. FitBit has Alexa built in. Some of the bells and whistles is that FitBit has a real time calorie burn, real time heart rate zones, and you can track your ovulation and menstration. It also engages you in guided breathing.
FitBit helps improve your sleep, energy, and overall health by getting your insights about the night and helping you create the optimal sleep sleep schedule along with better habits and better rest. Precise heart rate sensors and sensitive motion detectors work while you sleep. All of the metrics are uploaded onto the app and your sleep quality is measured in each sleep cycle and gives you a personalized sleep score.
Looking at the website, it is kinda of hard to know what to do with all of the data. You can upgrade to Premium that will help you with programs to kick your sugar habit, and gives you access to thousands of workouts that are best for your body type and lifestyle.
You can invest in a FitBit Versa, which looks like a smartwatch for about $229 or you can have the more simple FitBit Inspire HR band for $99.95.
WHOOP
You will notice the immediate difference is that WHOOP charges a subscription instead of charging for the device. With a subscription, you get a Strap 3.0 for free. The Strap 3.0, which is literally a sensor in the form of a strap that collects your physiological data 24/7. The data is collected to determine your personal readiness to perform each day.
There is daily reporting on desktop and mobile devices. The Strain Coach lets you know in real time when to train harder and when to back off. The Sleep Coach allows you to align with your circadian rhythm. Over 4 months, Whoop clients experience better sleep (about 41 minutes more), 60% fewer injuries, 79% less alcohol consumption and minimized symptoms of exhausting travel.
Another really cool feature is that you can use your WHOOP to connect to your favorite apps that are BLE compatible. This strap connects to treadmills, bikes, and rowing machines.
Monthly memberships are $30 for a 6 month commitment. $24 for a 12 month commitment. And $18 for 18 months. With that, I think that I have made my decision. I believe that I will be getting a WHOOP subscription. Thank you for helping me make my decision!
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The Astros didn’t leave Seattle with a series win, but they may have gained something just as important: a reminder that resilience still runs deep in this group.
After a grueling extra-inning loss on Saturday, one that included the loss of Isaac Paredes to a hamstring injury, Houston regrouped on Sunday and hammered the Mariners 11-3. Christian Walker provided the turning point with a much-needed go-ahead home run in the sixth inning, while Taylor Trammell added a two-run double and a solo shot of his own. With Chas McCormick back from the injured list but still finding his footing, Trammell is quickly making his case as the best option in center field moving forward.
Manager Joe Espada continues to juggle a lineup that’s been in constant flux. Rookie Cam Smith, who had a clutch two-run double in Sunday’s win, has struggled as of late, going just 2-for his last 24. While his ability to get hits in clutch situations has been extremely valuable, the lack of a consistent spot in the batting order may be taking its toll. Giving Smith a stable home in the cleanup spot, even temporarily, might be a helpful reset.
Then again, the cleanup role hasn’t been kind to everyone.
Last night, Christian Walker, batting 4th, went 0-4, 2 K
- Walker for the season, batting 4th: .167 BA, .498 OPS
- Both are MLB worst (min. 75 AB batting 4th, 51st of 51)
- His 210 AB batting 4th are 6th most in MLB
- He's hitting .317 w/ .887 OPS when batting anywhere but 4th
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) July 19, 2025
Walker has been markedly less effective when hitting fourth this season, a trend that continues despite his strong Sunday performance. Sometimes, the data is clear: the four-hole might not be for him. He's literally been the worst cleanup option in baseball this season. Hit him fifth.
Behind the plate, Victor Caratini continues to impress, while Yainer Diaz is back in a cold stretch. Since the break, Diaz is just 1-for-14, raising questions about his timing and confidence as the summer grind deepens.
On the mound, the biggest developments are happening off the field. Cristian Javier and Spencer Arrighetti both completed three-inning rehab outings with Double-A Corpus Christi, while Luis Garcia threw two innings in a rehab start with Low-A Fayetteville. The trio’s return could mark a major turning point for the Astros, especially as Lance McCullers continues to struggle in his own comeback. McCullers lasted just 2 2/3 innings in Saturday’s loss, allowing four runs and showing little of the form that once made him one of the rotation’s anchors.
There’s been hesitancy to replace McCullers with someone like Arrighetti while he’s still building back arm strength, but the argument grows thinner each time McCullers falters. If healthy, even a three- or four-inning version of Javier or Arrighetti could give Houston more consistency at the back of the rotation.
Despite the weekend loss, the Astros still hold one of the best offenses in baseball, second in batting average, 12th in OPS, and 11th in slugging. The pitching staff remains stout, ranking sixth in ERA and second in WHIP. This team is far from unraveling.
With reinforcements on the way and a lineup that’s still capable of putting up crooked numbers, the Astros aren’t panicking. If anything, Sunday’s blowout win showed they’re ready to weather whatever’s next.
There's so much more to get to! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday.
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