HOW BIG IS WHOOP?

Redefining Fitness, One Strap at a Time

- Words By: Sandesh Bhosle

WHOOP, a small yet powerful device, has been making waves across elite sports, from cricket grounds to football stadiums. Whether it's Jasprit Bumrah meticulously tracking his recovery or Cristiano Ronaldo fine-tuning his peak performance, this revolutionary fitness band has become an essential tool for top-tier athletes. More than just a wearable, WHOOP serves as a sophisticated performance optimiser, trusted by professionals worldwide.

Ronaldo, known for his relentless pursuit of excellence, not only wears the band but has also invested in the brand, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in fitness technology. His involvement has brought WHOOP into the global spotlight, elevating its status from an innovative wearable to an indispensable asset for athletes striving to maximise their potential.

However, WHOOP's journey to becoming one of the most sought-after fitness bands in the world was far from easy. The brand had to carve its niche in a market dominated by tech giants like Apple, Fitbit, and Garmin. With a unique data-driven approach and an uncompromising focus on athletic recovery, WHOOP revolutionised how fitness wearables are perceived.

THE GENESIS OF WHOOP

WHOOP was founded in 2012 by Will Ahmed, a Harvard University graduate and former collegiate squash player. As a student-athlete, Ahmed struggled with overtraining, fatigue, and an overall lack of understanding of his body's recovery needs. Frustrated by the absence of precise metrics that could guide his training, he decided to take matters into his own hands.

He rooted into physiological research, exploring how sleep, strain, and recovery affect athletic performance. His deep dive into data analysis and biometrics led him to a startling realisation. Wearable fitness technology was still in its infancy at the time and lacked the depth to truly aid athletes in optimising their performance. This epiphany laid the foundation for WHOOP.