The hidden power of fitness trackers

This week, a client asked me a question that I just had to share: “What do you think about fitness rings?”
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I love when clients ask detailed questions like this—it’s a chance to dig into the science and see what’s really useful versus just flashy tech.
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Fitness rings are getting really popular, and it’s easy to see why. They’re small, comfortable, and they give you a lot of information about sleep, recovery, and movement habits.
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From an evidence-based perspective, here’s what the research says:

• They’re fairly accurate for resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and overall sleep patterns. If you want insight into how well you’re sleeping or recovering, they can be helpful.
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• They track steps and activity reasonably well at lower to moderate intensities.
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• They’re less reliable during high-intensity workouts or when estimating calories burned. Factors like movement, temperature, and fit can affect accuracy.

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So, in my experience, these rings are great for awareness and habit-building, not as precise medical or performance tools.
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The value really comes from noticing patterns over time—like how your sleep shifts after a stressful week or how consistent movement affects your energy and mood.
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And, as always, it’s important to pair what the data says with how your body actually feels.
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Numbers guide you, but your lived experience completes the picture.

Here’s where it gets really interesting…
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Another one of my clients shared something amazing: after each Yoga Nidra session with me—a practice sometimes called “yogic sleep”—he consistently experienced more Non-REM sleep the following night.
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Non-REM or Non-Rapid Eye Movement sleep is the deeper, restorative stage of sleep where the body focuses on physical repair, immune system support, and energy restoration. It’s essential for muscle recovery, tissue repair, and overall rejuvenation.
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Over the course of eight different sessions, this improvement in non-REM sleep was consistent.
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Every single Yoga Nidra session he attended was followed by a night of deeper, more restorative sleep, as measured by his fitness tracker. It really highlights the power of rest and recovery—and how intentional practices, even just 30 minutes, can make a meaningful difference in how your body restores itself.
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Fitness rings, like the Oura, can help you notice these patterns.
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They’re not perfect, but they can be a great ally for supporting mindful, sustainable movement and recovery—especially when paired with practices that help you rest deeply, like Yoga Nidra.
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I love when clients ask thoughtful questions like this one. Questions spark curiosity, exploration, and a deeper understanding of how our bodies respond to rest and movement.
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Want to experience the sleep-boosting benefits of Yoga Nidra for yourself? You can join my self-study online program, R&R Sleep Meditation, or start with my weekly online class, Mindful Movement, and notice how your body responds. And if you try it, I’d love to hear about your experience!
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Stay well and happy moving [and resting],
Lisa
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