Anabolic Talks

Hey everyone! Thinking about upgrading my sleep tracker. Beyond the obvious HRV and sleep stage analysis, what are the most crucial metrics you look for in a device? What tech do you swear by for genuinely actionable insights? I’m finding a lot of devices just give you data without telling you what to do with it.

Totally agree, RecoveryRx. I use my Whoop strap primarily for **HRV and RHR** trends. It’s a game-changer for knowing when to push hard and when to dial back. If my HRV is tanking, I know my body isn’t ready for a heavy lift day.

For me, it’s all about the **Respiratory Rate (RR)**. It’s a great early warning signal for illness or overtraining. A slight but consistent increase often means my body is fighting something off, even before I feel symptoms. My Garmin Fenix tracks this well.

I’m a bit old school, but my Oura ring has been fantastic. It’s less about a single metric and more about the **holistic Readiness Score**. It combines sleep, activity, and body temp into a single, easy-to-digest number. Simple but powerful.

I use an Apple Watch, and while it’s not as dedicated as some of these others, the **blood oxygen (SpO2)** tracking is a key feature for me. It’s an extra layer of insight into respiratory health during the night, which is crucial for my overall wellness.

As a cyclist, I need to know if I’m ready for a big ride. The **Time in Deep Sleep and REM** is my primary focus. I find a lot of tech overestimates these stages, so finding one that’s validated is key. It directly correlates with my performance and recovery.