New WHOOP Steps: How to Get Steps on Your WHOOP Strap

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WHOOP has launched its new Steps feature, responding to an increasingly vocal group of users eager to measure and achieve movement goals with the platform.

WHOOP Introduces Step Tracking: A New Metric for Holistic Health

With this latest update, WHOOP monitors steps, providing users with a comprehensive view of daily movement trends. This move signifies a re-alignment in WHOOP’s fitness and health tracking approach, underscoring its commitment to research-based features while responding to customer demands. Let’s delve into this new feature, its significance, and how it integrates with WHOOP’s overall perspective on health and wellbeing within a fitness platform.

Why Track Steps?

Regardless of fitness level, increasing daily movement can enhance health and reduce the risk of various diseases, including obesity, heart disease, and conditions such as sleep apnoea and depression. The introduction of step tracking on WHOOP aims to motivate users to meet their movement goals, even for those who may not engage in high-intensity training regularly.

A common health goal is achieving between 7,000 and 10,000 steps per day, which can contribute to better overall health and longevity. However, the scientific basis for that specific number has long been debated. WHOOP cites new third-party studies that appear to support the broad efficacy of that activity level.

Historically, WHOOP has focused on Strain, a measure of cardiovascular exertion; this update recognises that step tracking is a crucial contributor to holistic well-being.

Note: While Strain remains a central metric for WHOOP, steps provide a broader measure of low-grade physical activity, addressing the frequency of movement rather than merely exertion. By integrating this feature, WHOOP caters to a wider audience.

WHOOP’s Evolution to Cover Steps

In earlier iterations, WHOOP opted not to track steps, citing a lack of strong scientific evidence supporting the widely popular “10,000 steps a day” target and its concrete health benefits. However, recent research has revealed that even moderate daily step counts can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases, prompting WHOOP to pivot and embrace this metric.

Including steps aligns WHOOP with other wearables like Fitbit and Garmin, which have long included daily step goals. However, WHOOP’s approach remains distinct: while other devices may highlight steps as the primary metric, WHOOP still places cardiovascular exertion (Strain) at the core of its platform, viewing steps as a complementary metric.

How WHOOP Tracks Steps

WHOOP’s step-tracking functionality is powered by the device’s existing accelerometer, which detects specific movement patterns as you go about your day. The raw data generated by your natural motion is then processed by a step detection algorithm, ensuring accurate tracking of your daily steps.

Step metrics are displayed on the WHOOP app’s home screen under ‘My Dashboard.’ You can explore your daily, weekly, monthly, and even 6-month step trends from there.

Setting step goals is straightforward: navigate to the ‘Plan’ tab in the app and add a step goal to your Weekly Plan. Additionally, WHOOP widgets displaying daily steps are available for iPhone and Android devices for real-time updates.

Why Whoop Added Steps – According to the CEO

Whoop’s Founder and CEO, Will Ahmed, says

We launched this for a few reasons. First, there’s been more research on the importance of movement for longevity and overall health…I’ve heard a decent number of WHOOP members have also previously worn a completely different device just to track steps. We believe that’s a terrible member experience… Our members have increasingly requested steps, and we’ve been listening. This update allows us to provide a more complete picture of movement and activity throughout the day, in addition to Strain and Recovery data…The fact that we can now measure steps within various activities, like a round of golf or a squash match, adds another dimension to how users engage with their data…

Steps and Strain: Different Metrics for Different Goals

It is essential to understand that while steps and Strain contribute to a healthier lifestyle, they measure different aspects of physical activity. Steps reflect the frequency of movement, while Strain focuses on cardiovascular exertion. As a result, some of your steps might contribute to Strain, but not all steps are equal. High-intensity activities, such as running or cycling, will invariably contribute more to Strain but could involve fewer steps than activities like walking, accumulating more steps but less cardiovascular Strain.

Note: This distinction underscores WHOOP’s comprehensive approach to fitness. You might focus on both metrics, with steps serving as a daily baseline for activity and Strain as a measure of workout intensity. This dual-tracking allows for a more rounded view of health, helping to balance regular movement with periods of focused training.

Setting Step Goals and Tracking Trends

WHOOP allows customisable step goals through the Weekly Plan feature. Whether you target 7,000 or 10,000 steps, these can be tailored to your health and fitness objectives. Furthermore, WHOOP sends notifications when milestones are reached—such as taking the equivalent number of steps to completing a marathon—adding an element of fun and reward to everyday movement.

Trends can be viewed over various time frames, providing a detailed look at how your movement has evolved. This helps with motivation and pattern discovery, such as how your step count increases or decreases based on training load, work schedule, or other lifestyle factors.

Validating WHOOP’s Step Tracking: Data-Driven Accuracy

WHOOP claims to have rigorously tested its step-tracking capabilities in its internal labs and through large-scale data collection from its extensive user base. Let’s hope this is accurate!

Note: While step tracking might seem simple, WHOOP’s emphasis on data validation highlights its ongoing commitment to providing trustworthy, science-backed health insights. By integrating high-level cardiovascular tracking and more granular daily activity metrics, WHOOP aims to offer a well-rounded view of fitness.

A Holistic Approach to Movement and Health

This new feature is designed to help many WHOOP users better understand their health rather than simply boosting athletic fitness. In reality, it’s a response to comments from customers and potential customers.

There is only an upside to including steps on the Whoop platform. Steps provide an accessible, daily measure of activity that complements WHOOP’s existing focus on Strain and recovery, making it a good tool for those striving to enhance their well-being.

Nice move.

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