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FitBit or WHOOP? Which will it be?

FitBit or WHOOP? Which will it be?
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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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Hayden Wesneski is out for the season. Composite Getty Image.

Houston Astros right-hander Hayden Wesneski is set to undergo Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery, likely sidelining him until late in the 2026 season.

Wesneski went on the 15-day injured list with right elbow discomfort on May 9, three days after allowing four runs over four innings in a 4-3 loss at Milwaukee. The 27-year-old was 1-3 with a 4.50 ERA.

Wesneski joined the Astros along with Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith in the offseason trade that sent Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs. He has 28 starts among 74 appearances over four big league seasons.

The Astros, who announced the diagnosis after Sunday's 4-3 win over the Texas Rangers, skipped Wesneski for a turn in their rotation before the start against the Brewers.

“In Milwaukee, I felt better,” Wesneski said. “Next day, I felt great. I was super pumped about it. Got on the airplane, landed at home in Houston and it just started swelling up. Off day only got worse.”

Wesneski said he will stay in the Dallas area for surgery, hoping to have it this week. Texas Rangers physician Dr. Keith Meister will perform the procedure.

With the Cubs last season, Wesneski spent time on the injured list with a right forearm strain. He had seven starts among 28 appearances in 2024 after getting 11 starts and 23 relief outings two years ago. All six of Wesneski's appearances this season were starts.

Looking ahead

With Wesneski officially out for the season, Lance McCullers returning to form takes on even more importance for Houston. Hopefully, McCullers, Colton Gordon, and Ryan Gusto can hold down the fort until Spencer Arreghetti returns from his fractured thumb.

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