It’s been almost two years since I started to wear an Oura ring. At the time, I purchased it to help me predict my unpredictable menstrual cycle. However, over the last few years, I have noticed that it has provided me so much more insight on my health and sleep than I ever could have imagined. Oura rings track activity, stress, sleep, menstrual cycles, and so much more.
Oura rings are priced between $199 to almost $400. They come in silver and black as well as rose and yellow gold for a higher price tag. I currently have the generation 3, which is the older one. At the moment, I have no plans on upgrading, because this one has done me no wrong. I have a size 10, which is one size larger than my index finger. Oura has a sizing kit that you can get, and you can get a $10 Best Buy gift card with the purchase.
I just want to get one thing out of the way about my review. This is not a tech specific or health specific review whatsoever. This is a review that is solely from the point of view of an average user trying to track their health.
There are quite a few things I love about this ring. This ring is made just to track sleep, and I have found so many insights from it. If you’re not getting a good night’s sleep for any reason, you’re able to go back in and program why that occurred, whether it’s travel or other.
The biggest for me is by far the ability to sync with Natural Cycles. I have been using the app Natural Cycles to keep track of my menstrual cycle data, and the Oura ring pairs seamlessly with that because it helps track my body temperature and syncs with Natural Cycles for information such as ovulation, when my period is going to arrive, etc.
The body temperature is also amazing to keep track of whether or not I’m going to get sick or not. I need to get better at noticing when I get sick based on the stats, as Oura notices it long before I show symptoms.
This ring is also an activity and a rest tracker. Yes, most activity trackers focus on making sure that you burn enough calories and take the amount of steps that you need to reach your goal. However, there is a “rest mode” that allows you to take the rest that you need. I love that it offers a holistic approach, not just burn all of the calories you possibly can. That being said, it does track activities, encourages you to move when it notices that you’ve been stagnant for a while.
As I’ve had this ring, more features have developed, such as stress and cardio statistics, something that I feel as though is very beneficial and informative. Through my ring, I am able to find out my V02 max as well as my cardio fitness age, which is something that I feel as though is super important as I get older.
Finally, something else that I love about this ring is the battery life. I forget to charge it a lot of the time, and it’s never run out of battery. Apple can truly never.
However, the biggest thing that I have an issue with thus far is the fact to be able to access all of the features of the ring, you have to pay monthly for complete access. Yes, the features are worth it; however, I do believe that since you’ve already paid for the ring, then you should be able to access everything without additional payment.
The second thing that I do not like this ring is that it scratches so easily. My ring looks like it has been through the wringer. However, I know that for something that has a smooth, shiny surface, that is due to happen. It does bug me, but I do know that it’s just wear and tear.
Overall, I have no complains on this ring though. It’s lightweight and has been something that I have worn everyday over the past two years. Do I think it’s worth it? Yes, I do, as it offers a complete picture of your overall health, and gives me much more insight on my body than I ever could have imagined.
thenutmegmillennial.com 