--- title: "Biohacking" description: "The tech world’s obsession with biohacking has reached new heights, as wearables have become a pillar in the rapidly expanding fitness industry. Biohacking…" url: https://www.independentpress.com/article/biohacking date: 2026-04-28 categories: ["Fitness","Business"] author: "Cydney Waterman" --- # Biohacking ![Biohacking](https://images.ctfassets.net/ewtdlsoyixc1/7ikf6A2roP12xvIaplsL4Z/c425f9741f6b96b728911b9ceeadab0a/Picture1.png) The tech world’s obsession with biohacking has reached new heights, as wearables have become a pillar in the rapidly expanding fitness industry. Biohacking, a term coined by technology entrepreneur Dave Asprey in the early 2000s, describes the practice of using science and technology to optimize your body, mind and performance. Initially seen as “an unhealthy obsession,” the practice has reached cultural recognition through endorsement by celebrities, athletes, and influencers. For the average consumer who does not have a team of medical practitioners readily available for consultation, the business of fitness wearables has exploded. **** **The Origins of Fitness Wearables ** In 2009, Fitbit released the first wearable health tracker: the Fitbit Classic. Resembling a clothespin, the wearable tracked the number of steps taken and the amount of calories burned in a single day. Eventually, Fitbit would shift from the clothespin model to wearable bracelets and watches which enabled users to track other metrics like sleep and heart rate. Fitbit is not the only company to enter the business of fitness tracking. Since the release of the Fitbit Classic, the fitness wearable market has expanded dramatically, and Fitbit has lost its top spot in the biohacking industry as America’s number one fitness wearable. **** **Key Players in the Industry** _Apple_ The Apple Watch is currently the most popular wearable in the world with an estimated 200 million users worldwide. Launched in 2015, the watch was designed to complement the iPhone by supplying users with notifications, messaging and calls. Although not originally designed for fitness, Apple rebranded the Apple Watch as fitness friendly through collaboration with the athletic wear giant Nike and its Ultra line, giving its users access to advanced health metrics like electrocardiogram (ECG) readings and blood pressure screenings. The Apple Watch primarily targets users who are familiar with the Apple brand and who want to work on ways of improving their health. Because Apple is only in the early stages of developing its fitness focused lines, the Apple Watch provides raw data that is hard to read, resulting in many fitness enthusiasts turning to other brands in the market. _Whoop _ The Whoop fitness wearable is notable for its lack of a screen. Whoop was founded in 2012 by a then Harvard student, Will Ahmed, and was designed to bring elite athletes uniquely valuable metrics to manage their training. Whoop measures user’s daily metrics in the areas of sleep, recovery and strain, helping users make more informed health decisions. The device is removable from its original bracelet format and can be placed on the company designed armbands and undergarments. Since its founding, the Whoop brand has become mainstream as people noticed the bracelet on popular athletes such as Michael Phelps and LeBron James. With its mainstream success Whoop has reached over a billion dollars in revenue and has recently raised $575 million in Series E funding as the company prepares for an initial public offering (IPO). _Oura _ The Oura Ring is another popular fitness device on the market. Officially launched in 2015, the ring measures similar metrics as Whoop except Oura is packaged in a ring format. Oura’s fourth-generation model comes in traditional jewelry colors and ceramic. Unlike both the Apple Watch and Whoop, the Oura Ring requires an initial investment and a subscription to use. It is also the only wearable to have features that are seeking FDA approval. As a company, Oura is valued at $11 billion and has recently raised $900 million in Series E funding. _Other Competitors _ Whoop and Oura’s recent success has spawned many other fitness technology companies looking to gain market share. Garmin, a smart watch company beloved by running enthusiasts, is developing a faceless bracelet that has similar features to Whoop. And as of 2026, Basketball superstar Stephen Curry has begun collaborating with Fitbit, as Fitbit tries to regain prominence in the industry. **** **Conclusion ** As Americans shift more of their focus onto their health and longevity, fitness wearables will continue to be one of the largest growing segments in the fitness industry. Wearables like the Apple Watch, Whoop, and Oura Ring have been the early market winners to dominate this revolutionary market. However, with the industry expected to grow to a valuation in upwards of $400 billion over the next two years, many other competitors are bound to enter the market and push the continued evolution of the biohacking industry.