Wearable fitness devices and how they're Revolutionizing Health

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a huge increase in wearable fitness technology. From Apple Watches and Garmins to Whoop straps and Oura rings, our clients at The Parnell Plan are constantly sharing data from their devices—and we’re here for it.

To be honest, we were skeptical at first.

In a world driven by consumerism and quick fixes, it’s easy to assume that the next piece of tech is just another gimmick. But as these wearables have become more prevalent, accurate, and user-friendly, we've seen firsthand how they can reinforce powerful behavior change.

So today, we’re breaking down why wearable fitness trackers aren’t just trendy—they’re one of the most effective tools for self-awareness, performance, and accountability.

What is best wearable device for health?

What Is a Wearable Fitness Device?

Let’s start with the basics.

Wearable fitness devices are any piece of tech worn on your body that collects data on your movement, heart rate, sleep, stress, and more. Popular examples include:

• Apple Watch

• Whoop Strap

• Garmin Forerunner or Fenix

• Oura Ring

• Fitbit

• Polar Heart Rate Monitors

  
  

These gadgets connect to apps that track trends, deliver insights, and encourage daily activity—often gamifying health in a way that keeps people engaged.

Do Wearables Actually Improve Health?

Yes—and there’s research to back it up.

A growing number of studies show that fitness trackers increase physical activity levels, especially moderate-to-vigorous movement in adults. Some meta-analyses even suggest that users with wearables take 1,800+ more steps per day than those without.

But the benefits go beyond steps.

According to both research and what we’ve seen with clients, wearable fitness technology also helps track:

✅ Resting heart rate (RHR)

✅ Heart rate variability (HRV)

✅ Sleep quantity and quality

✅ Recovery metrics

✅ Training strain

✅ Stress load over time

These insights help users better understand the signals their bodies are sending—and make smarter decisions around exercise, recovery, and nutrition.

A Coach’s Take: Wearables = Accountability

Hi, Chris here 👋

No, I’m not telling you to drop everything and go buy a $300 device today. But here’s what I am saying:

If you’re someone who wants to improve your health, boost your performance, or just stay accountable—but aren’t ready to invest in 1-on-1 coaching yet—a wearable device can help bridge the gap.

Wearables help answer important questions like:

• Am I really moving enough each day?

• Is my sleep supporting recovery?

• Am I overtraining without realizing it?

• How is stress affecting my performance?

  
  

If you're not currently tracking any of these, you're flying blind—and even basic data can make a big difference in how you approach your workouts, food choices, and recovery routines.

What We Track at The Parnell Plan

At The Parnell Plan, we’re all about sustainable behavior change through smart training, strategic nutrition, and clear accountability.

While you don’t need a device to work with us, here’s the kind of data we love to look at when clients come in with wearables:

📊 Daily steps & total activity

🛌 Sleep duration & disturbances

❤️ Resting heart rate & HRV (heart rate variability)

💪 Workout load & recovery readiness

😵 Stress patterns throughout the day

The more biofeedback we have, the more personalized and powerful your program becomes.

Wearables vs Coaching: What’s the Difference?

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

• Wearables give you information.

• Coaching gives you interpretation, strategy, and results.

  
  

So, if you're not ready to hire us just yet, a wearable can still keep you engaged and aware—until you're ready to level up with personalized support.

💬 And when that time comes, we’ll help you interpret your data, tweak your workouts, and build habits that actually stick.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy a Wearable?

If you’ve been thinking about getting a fitness tracker or you're already using one but not sure what to do with the data, here’s our advice:

📌 Choose a device that fits your goals (e.g. Whoop for recovery, Apple Watch for general fitness, Garmin for endurance training).

📌 Use it daily, but don’t obsess. The goal is insight, not anxiety.

📌 Let the data empower your choices—not dictate your worth.

Wearable technology isn't the end-all, but it's a fantastic accountability partner—especially when paired with the right plan.

About The Parnell Plan:

Led by NYC personal trainer Chris Parnell, The Parnell Plan helps busy professionals get stronger, healthier, and more consistent — with personalized coaching that fits your lifestyle.