Beyond Steps: How Fitness Wearables Are Revolutionizing Personal Health

Fitness wearables have come a long way from their early days as simple step counters. Today, they serve as personal health companions, offering insights far beyond just movement. Advanced models can now track sleep patterns, stress levels, and even glucose levels, making them valuable tools for those looking to optimize their well-being. Companies like Oura and Dexcom, along with Whoop, are forming partnerships to create comprehensive health ecosystems, offering a holistic view of one’s body. Industry giants like Garmin and Apple are also driving innovation, positioning wearables as essential tools for healthcare monitoring rather than just fitness tracking. This industry is beyond thriving and set to hit a market value of 169 Billion by 2029!

One of the biggest advantages of wearables is their ability to empower individuals to take control of their own health. No longer limited to just heart rate monitoring, these devices now provide insights into menstrual cycles, glucose levels, menopause symptoms, and even stress management. They allow users to see how small lifestyle changes, like reducing alcohol intake, can impact sleep quality. This level of data can be incredibly reinforcing, helping individuals make informed decisions about their habits and overall well-being. Furthermore, wearables are shifting the conversation around health away from just weight and toward a more holistic approach, celebrating achievements like movement, sleep quality, and stress reduction.

Wearables can also be a key and helpful communicator between patient and physician for those with chronic conditions. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for example greatly helps in diabetes management and offers immediate blood sugar levels. CGM empowers patients to monitor their health proactively, and companies such as Nutrisense are helping to create innovative apps and technology to help integrate your CGM into your daily life.

However, it’s important to acknowledge the downsides of wearable technology. While these devices provide valuable data, they should not replace professional medical advice. Some users may turn to online forums or self-diagnose based on wearable readings, potentially leading to misinformation and unnecessary anxiety. It’s crucial to keep healthcare providers informed and not rely solely on a wearable to interpret serious health concerns, such as irregular heart rates or blood pressure spikes. These devices are best used as complementary tools, not substitutes for medical expertise.

Another caution of wearables is the tendency for some individuals to become overly fixated on tracking their metrics. While setting goals can be motivating, an obsession with hitting step counts or perfecting sleep scores can create unnecessary stress. It’s essential to establish a healthy relationship with these devices—using them for guidance rather than as rigid benchmarks. At the end of the day, wearables should serve as a helpful companion on your health journey, not a source of pressure or guilt.

As fitness wearables continue to evolve, their impact on personal health and wellness is becoming undeniable. These devices offer an unprecedented level of insight, helping individuals make meaningful lifestyle changes and fostering a deeper connection to their bodies. However, like any tool, their effectiveness depends on how they are used. By maintaining a balanced approach—leveraging data without becoming consumed by it—users can truly harness the power of wearables to support their long-term health goals. Here are our top recommendations of wearables for you to try in 2025!

WISe Approved Top 5 Fitness Wearables for 2025

1. Oura Ring

   • Pro: Tracks sleep, recovery, and readiness with impressive accuracy in a discreet form.

   • Con: Lacks real-time workout metrics, making it less ideal for active training insights.

2. Dexcom G7

   • Pro: Continuous glucose monitoring provides real-time data for better metabolic health management.

   • Con: Primarily designed for diabetics, limiting its broader fitness tracking appeal.

3. Whoop 4.0

   • Pro: Offers deep recovery insights and strain analysis with no display distractions.

   • Con: Subscription-based model makes it a pricier long-term investment.

4. Garmin Forerunner 965

   • Pro: Industry-leading GPS accuracy and training features tailored for serious athletes.

   • Con: Bulkier design compared to other sleeker fitness wearables.

5. Apple Watch Ultra 2

   • Pro: Seamlessly integrates health, fitness, and safety features with a premium display.

   • Con: Battery life lags behind competitors, especially for endurance athletes.