Get It or Ditch It: The Pro's and Con's of the Most Popular Fitness Trackers

Love-Hate Relationship With Fitness Trackers

I have a love-hate relationship with fitness trackers. On one hand, they can be powerful tools—offering insight into your sleep, recovery, daily activity, and even nudging you to move when you’ve been sitting too long. They can help you make smarter decisions about workout intensity, nutrition, and habits that support overall health.

On the other hand, trackers aren’t flawless. Some data needs to be taken with a grain of salt, and it’s easy to let numbers dictate how we feel instead of balancing the data with our own intuition.

In this post, I’m breaking down the pros and cons of today’s most popular fitness trackers—Apple Watch, Oura Ring, Whoop, and Fitbit—to help you decide which one might support your goals… or if you should ditch them altogether.

Apple Watch

💡 Disclaimer: I recently ditched mine because I didn’t like all the notifications and I couldn’t use it for sleep because it was too clunky for me keep on and try to sleep.

Pros:

• Combines smartwatch + health features.

• Seamless iPhone integration.

• We used it to connect to our BBH.Fit heart rate tracking app, CorSync when running fitness challenges to be able to track workout completions. And for this reason alone, I will always come back to it.

• Activity “rings” gamify daily goals if you’re into that sort of thing.

• Highly accurate heart rate monitor during steady exercise (Wallen et al., J Med Internet Res, 2016).

Cons:

• Short battery life (18–24 hrs).

• Sleep tracking is basic.

• Notifications can be distracting.

Oura Ring

💡 Best for sleep and recovery insights.

Pros:

• Sleek, discreet design.

• One of the most accurate consumer sleep trackers (de Zambotti et al., Behav Sleep Med, 2017).

• Battery lasts 5–7 days.

• Focuses on readiness and recovery trends.

Cons:

• Limited workout tracking. In fact, I could rarely lift with it on because it actually cut off blood circulation in the finger I had it on!

• Subscription required for full data.

• Needs precise sizing for accuracy. 

Whoop Strap

💡 Best for athletes focused on optimizing recovery and performance. I have NOT tried this tracker yet, but plan to in the next few weeks to see how I like it.

Pros:

• Recovery-first approach: HRV, sleep, strain tracking.

• Comfortable to wear 24/7, waterproof.

• Regular updates included with subscription.

• Reliable for athletic recovery monitoring (Sensors, 2021).

Cons:

• No display (everything is in the app). So this might solve my biggest issue with the Apple Watch.

• Subscription required (no one-time purchase).

• Data-heavy, which may overwhelm casual users.

Fitbit

💡 Best for beginners who want accountability on a budget. And I LOVE the Fit Bit for that reason

Pros:

• Affordable and user-friendly.

• Variety of models at different price points.

• Tracks steps, workouts, and sleep in a simple way.

• Step tracking reasonably accurate (JMIR Mhealth Uhealth, 2020).

Cons:

• Less precise during high-intensity workouts.

• Advanced features locked behind Premium.

• Battery life varies (2–7 days depending on model).

• Limited “deep dive” data compared to Whoop or Oura.

The Bottom Line

No tracker is perfect, and none of them can replace your own body awareness.

• Apple Watch → Great for tech lovers who want a smartwatch + fitness features.

• Oura Ring → Ideal if you’re serious about sleep and recovery trends.

• Whoop → Best for athletes aiming to optimize training and recovery.

• Fitbit → Perfect for beginners wanting simple, budget-friendly accountability.

The key? Use the data as guidance, not gospel. Let your tracker highlight patterns, but let your body have the final say.

Let me know in the comments what fitness tracker(s) you’ve tried and what you did and didn’t love about it!

Why the TikTok “Three-Bite Rule” Might Be Doing More Harm Than Good

I’ll be honest—I don’t even have a TikTok. 😂 But word travels fast, and lately I keep hearing about this viral trend called the “Three-Bite Rule.” The idea is that when you’re faced with an indulgent food—say cake, cookies, or fries—you should only allow yourself three bites before putting the fork down.

Sounds clever, right? Just enough to “taste without going overboard.” But here’s the problem: this isn’t actually mindful eating—it’s restriction in disguise.

Why the “Three-Bite Rule” Isn’t So Healthy

1. It’s rooted in scarcity, not freedom. Telling yourself you can only have three bites immediately creates pressure, guilt, and the likelihood of overdoing it later.

2. Humans thrive with freedom. Studies show that when people give themselves unconditional permission to eat, cravings often decrease, stress lowers, and food loses its “power.”

3. Restriction backfires. The more we tell ourselves “no,” the more likely we are to obsess over the very food we’re trying to control.

Bottom line: this “rule” teaches people to fear food rather than enjoy it.

What to Try Instead: Creating Freedom Around Food

If rules don’t work, what does? Food freedom. Here are a few ways you can start practicing it:

• Get curious about your food: I truly believe when you sit down to eat and marvel over how each ingredient is healing and fueling your body, you’ll not only want to fuel your body with nutrient-dense foods most of the time. You’ll leave room for fun without guilt- because eating certain foods just because they bring you joy or nostalgia is enough of a reason to include them.

• Slow down & check in: Instead of counting bites, notice how the food tastes, how it makes you feel, and when you naturally feel satisfied and full.

• Remove “good” and “bad” labels: Food is food. Some choices fuel your body differently than others, but attaching morality creates unnecessary stress.

• Trust your body: This honestly might be the hardest truth to believe but I promise , over time, you’ll notice your body actually craves balance when you let go of rigid rules.

My Personal Take:

I can honestly say that embracing food freedom has changed my life.

When I let go of strict rules:

• My stress around food decreased.

• Maintaining a healthy weight became easier and more sustainable.

• My gut health improved (hello better digestion 👋).

• And maybe most importantly—I’m just happier.

This is why I coach my clients to chase freedom over restriction. Health isn’t found in TikTok rules—it’s built in sustainable habits and a positive relationship with food.

Want More Food Freedom Inspo?Here are a few Instagram accounts I love that share incredible resources around this approach:

• @find.food.freedom- love her sarcastic approach

• @thewellful- simple quick Inspo you can use as mantras for the day

• @nutritionstripped - her genuine caring approach really shines through

Comment below and tell me—what food rule have you been holding onto that you’re ready to break free from?”

WANT MORE DIRECTION?

Start your journey at Body By Hannah by booking a fitness consultation. In this one hour meeting, we cover, in depth, your fitness goals, your current exercise and nutrition habits, and any relevant health history. You’ll also perform a movement assessment so we can spot any muscular imbalances, assess your fitness level, and see your strengths and weaknesses. It helps YOU get clarity on the best path forward to reach your health goals and helps US develop an appropriate starting point for your personalized fitness plan.

Find Freedom with Food: 3 Simple Ways to Practice Mindful Eating

In a world filled with fast food, constant distractions, and the glorification of multitasking, it’s no wonder so many of us struggle with our relationship with food. We eat on autopilot, scrolling through our phones or rushing through meals without truly tasting or enjoying them. But what if we consider a more mindful approach to eating? It could transform not only your relationship with food but also your health and well-being?

Mindful eating is a concept that we often focus on practicing with our nutrition clients. It’s the practice of being fully present in the moment, tuning into your body’s signals, and savoring every bite. It’s not a diet, a set of rules, or about restriction—it’s about awareness and enjoyment. By adopting a mindful approach to meals, you can more easily maintain a healthy weight, improve digestion (more important than many of our clients realize), and create a more connected and pleasurable dining experience. 

Here are three simple but powerful tips to help you cultivate mindful eating habits:

1. Slow Down & Engage Your Senses

I’m one of the fastest eaters I know! One of the easiest ways for me to practice mindful eating is to simply slow down by putting the fork down between bites and chewing thoroughly. When you eat quickly, your body doesn’t have time to register fullness, which can lead to overeating. Slowing down allows your body to properly digest food, supports weight management, and enhances the overall experience of eating. This Eating Slowly Journal worksheet is an example of how we implement the practice with our nutrition clients .

How to do it:

- Put down your fork between bites.

- Chew slowly and thoroughly, noticing the texture, flavors, and aromas of your food.

- Take a deep breath before starting your meal to center yourself in the present moment.

2. Eliminate Distractions & Be Present

Also guilty of this myself. I’m a master multitasker! Ever found yourself eating an entire meal while watching TV or scrolling through your phone—only to realize you barely remember eating it? When we eat distracted, we disconnect from our hunger and fullness cues, making it easier to overeat or feel unsatisfied.

How to do it:

- Turn off screens and create a peaceful, distraction-free eating environment.

- Focus on the food in front of you—observe its colors, smells, and textures.

- If eating with others, engage in meaningful conversation and enjoy the moment together.

3. Honor Your Hunger & Fullness Cues

Our bodies are incredibly intuitive, but years of diet culture and stress eating can dull our natural hunger and fullness signals. Mindful eating helps you reconnect with those cues, allowing you to eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re comfortably full—rather than when your plate is empty.

How to do it:

- Before eating, ask yourself, “Am I truly hungry, or am I eating out of boredom, stress, or habit?”

- Check in with yourself halfway through the meal—are you still hungry or satisfied?

- Practice gratitude for your food and how it nourishes your body.

The Freedom That Comes with Mindful Eating

By embracing mindfulness around meals, you can break free from restrictive eating patterns, guilt, and emotional eating. You’ll cultivate a healthier relationship with food, enjoy improved digestion, and feel more present in your daily life. Eating becomes a nourishing, enjoyable experience rather than just another task to check off your to-do list.

So, next time you sit down for a meal, take a breath, slow down, and savor every bite. Your body—and mind—will thank you! And if you think having a coach to help you stay accountable to these practices while you work to adopt better nutritional habits, please reach out to us! Apply for coaching with one of our amazing BBH trainers who are also certified nutrition coaches. We all get by a little better with a little help.

Optimizing Your Health Might Be a Waste of Time (and Money!)

We live in an age where health optimization has become a booming billion-dollar industry. Supplements, gadgets, biohacking tools, and lifestyle trends promise to take our wellness to the next level. While the desire to improve health is certainly important, the truth is that most of the time, the health “optimization” many are chasing is a waste of time and money because your foundational components of health are not in place, first. The harsh reality is that no matter how many capsules or shakes you add to your daily regimen, they likely won’t yield noticeable results if the bedrock of your health is weak.

The Supplement Industry: A Billion-Dollar Distraction

In 2023, the global supplement market was valued at over $200 billion, and it's only expected to grow. It’s easy to see why: supplements are marketed as shortcuts to improved health, longevity, energy, mental clarity, and performance. Who wouldn’t want to take a pill or powder that promises to give them the energy boost they’re looking for or help them recover faster from their workouts?

First, realize the science behind most supplements is murky at best. Many are not nearly as effective as their manufacturers claim, and only few have been proven to provide the results they promise. In fact, many supplements are simply a cash grab, capitalizing on the fear of missing out on the latest wellness trend or the promise of a healthier life. So, do your research.

Don’t misunderstand me. There is a place for well studied supplements for optimizing health. For example, vitamin D for people who don’t get enough sun, or magnesium for muscle relaxation and creatine for brain and muscle health. But when we rely solely on (even good, well-researched) supplements to fix poor lifestyle habits, it’s like trying to build a house on sand. It won’t stand. 

Before you even need to think about trying a supplement or adding an expensive gadget to your routine, ask yourself: Do I do the basics well and consistently? These “basics” are the non-negotiable pillars of health that should be the cornerstone of any fitness or wellness plan. The basics include exercise, balanced nutrition and getting quality sleep.

The True Foundation of Health

1. Exercise

Building and maintaining muscle mass is crucial for long-term health. Not only does strength training improve body composition, but it also boosts metabolism, strengthens bones, and improves mental health. For the average person, strength training three to four times per week is the baseline.

Cardiovascular exercise is vital for heart health, lung capacity, and overall endurance. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week to improve heart health. Your overall daily movement should be at least an average of 7-10k steps. Simple activities like walking or gardening can make a world of difference towards better health and longevity. 

2. Balanced Nutrition

No supplement can fix a bad diet. A balanced eating pattern that meets your macronutrient (protein, carbs, fats) and micronutrient (vitamins and minerals) needs is essential. Protein, in particular, is crucial for muscle repair, growth, and immune function, while fiber is key for digestive health. It’s important you prioritize getting these macro and micro nutrients from a variety of whole foods FIRST and then we can explore what supplements might be right for us to be able to successfully fill in the gaps.

3. Sleep

Recovery modalities like cold plunges, infrared saunas, and cryotherapy are all the rage right now. But no amount of high-tech recovery can meet your recovery demands like adequate sleep. Sleep is arguably the most critical aspect of recovery and health optimization. Chronic lack of sleep—defined as less than 7 hours per night—has been linked to a host of health problems, from obesity and heart disease to decreased cognitive function and mood disorders. While a sauna or a cold plunge can help alleviate soreness, improve circulation, and enhance the recovery process, they are not miracle solutions and cannot compensate for poor sleep habits. Sleep is when your body repairs itself, consolidates memories, and regulates hormones.

Start with the Basics, Then Optimize

Health optimization begins by focusing on the fundamentals that pack the biggest punch towards your best health. Exercise, balanced nutrition and adequate sleep is that foundation. Before you chase the next big thing in the wellness industry, take a step back. Ask yourself if you’re covering the essentials. If not, start there. It’s the only way to truly optimize your health in a sustainable and meaningful way. Once you know you have a solid foundation, you can truly take inventory of what health optimization strategies might be a best fit for you.