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We live in a time of unprecedented connectivity and technological innovation. Smart devices and gadgets are now a feature of everyday life, and most of us can’t imagine how we’d get by without them.
The fitness industry is one which has seen an explosion in smart technology, with new apps and devices constantly emerging. So no matter what benefit you’re seeking, chances are there’s a gadget out there for you – regardless of how niche it may seem.
But on a more simplistic and general level, there are certain gadgets that are more universal and can be adapted to almost any fitness regime or health goal. So for a brief overview, we thought we’d share 10 fitness gadgets that almost anyone could find useful!
Note: none of the links in this article are affiliated, and we don’t get paid to advertise or promote these products.
FITBIT
FitBit – the well-known and well-loved smartwatch that’s been a go-to for fitness fanatics for years. Adding a FitBit to your collection of workout gear is a great idea for anyone who likes to stay organised, keep motivated, and track their progress.
There are lots of features in these watches (more or less depending on the model you go for), and there really is an option for everybody. From sleep tracking and heart rate monitoring to stress management and breath rate measurement.
For anyone looking to digitise their exercise regime and upgrade to a smart lifestyle, smartwatches are an absolute must, and a FitBit is always a safe option.
PSO-SPINE
Fitness gadgets don’t always have to be about gains, tracking, and progress. Sometimes the most effective tools are the ones that help us rest and recover. This is where the PSO-SPINE comes in. In a nutshell, it’s a self-massage tool designed to “keep your spinal muscles healthy and your nerves functioning properly to prevent some of the problems that occur from aging, injury, and everyday movement”.
A handy gadget like this really should be an essential part of every fitness buff’s kit. Because a healthy spine is crucial for keeping mobile and flexible.
Note: the company’s website advises all prospective customers to consult with a doctor before using this product.
FITT Cube
A home gym in a portable cube? Sounds suitably futuristic to us.
The FITT Cube is a very interesting fitness tool. Providing cardio, strength, flexibility, endurance and power training, and boasting over 100 individual exercises to target every muscle in the body, all in a cube that’s less than 50cm tall.
It’s built from steel, so offers peace of mind in terms of durability. And it comes with some impressive extras including custom resistance bands and an exercise chart.
The FIIT Cube seems perfectly suited to those confined to smaller spaces, or anyone who simply enjoys performing full-body workouts at home.
It’s innovative, well-designed, and relatively discreet. All-in-all, something not to be overlooked by the gadget-conscious gym buff.
LARQ Self-Cleaning Water Bottle
Why bother with a self-cleaning water bottle? Well, the LARQ “uses UV-C LED light to eliminate up to 99.9999% of bio-contaminants from your water and bottle”. It’s a bottle that keeps your water clean, and clean water is an absolutely essential component of a healthy lifestyle.
It might not track your heart rate or count your calories, but not much else matters if you don’t have a good water supply.
HidrateSpark 3 Smart Water Bottle
Considering just how important hydration is for health, we thought we’d dedicate two places on our list to smart bottles. The HidrateSpark 3 tracks your water intake throughout the day and, with the accompanying app, lights up when it’s time to drink. It’s BPA-free, stylish, and practical.
ARIONCOACH Smart Insoles
These smart insoles are about as futuristic as it gets. Slip them into your running shoes and you’ve got an AI coaching engine assessing your every step. ARIONCOACH focusses deeply and methodically on how you run in order to improve every aspect of your technique.
It’s best to consult the company’s site for a more detailed breakdown of the technology. But for serious runners this could be a potentially game-changing piece of equipment, especially for those who prioritise technical performance.
Smart Scales
We’ve all got a set of basic weighing scales lying around the house somewhere (usually tucked away behind the bathroom door where they’re easy to forget about). But when it comes to serious health and fitness progress monitoring, sometimes a run-of-the-mill scale just doesn’t do the job.
This is where smart scales come in. In addition to showing your weight, smart scales take a plethora of other measurements, including BMI, body fat, bone mass, and muscle mass. The exact metrics covered will vary from scale to scale, but most of them come with Android and iOS apps for smartphone pairing, and with the level of detail and depth they provide, they can really help take your fitness to the next level.
And with certain models starting at £34.99, budget doesn’t have to be an issue.
To browse through a selection of top-rated smart scales, see here.
Peloton Bike
If cycling is your thing, then look no further than the Peloton Bike. This incredible piece of equipment really is a one-stop shop solution. With onboard screen and speakers, you’ll have access to thousands of workout classes from the comfort of your own home.
It’s quite expensive in comparison to the other items on this list, but considering what it could save in the long run it could easily be, for the right person, a smart and worthy investment.
Wireless earphones
Because what workout is complete without music? In fact, for many people music is an absolutely essential component of their exercise routines, providing motivation and an extra layer of enjoyment.
But we’ve all experienced the less-than-ideal scenario of our arms getting caught in earphone wires, painfully tugging the buds out of our ears…
Though a good pair of wireless earphones might prove most valuable to runners, they’re still an excellent addition to any tech-savvy workout kit.
But it’s important to know what you’re getting. After all, what would be worse than buying a pair of wireless earbuds only to lose one during your first run? This is where the true workout-friendly models come in — earphones specifically designed with running, jumping, and spinning in mind.
For a more in-depth breakdown of different wireless earphone models and their various strengths, take a look at this article.
Tangram Smart Rope
If you happen to like both skipping and fitness tracking, then this product is a no-brainer. Essentially it’s a skipping rope with built-in LED lights which light up to “display calories burned, interval training data, and other symbols and icons to register double unders and other relevant fitness workout information”.
It’s a very smart concept. The way the display works is that the LEDS trigger at different times as the rope moves around you, creating the effect of a floating screen. Very futuristic, very cool, and very handy for anyone who integrates skipping into their fitness routine.
Kit for keeping fit
For more on fitness equipment, why not take a look at these 8 pieces of essential equipment to build a budget home gym.