The world of fitness gadgets and accessories has come a long way from simple heart-rate monitors and pedometers. But just how fancy can fitness gadgets get, and what exactly are they good for? These examples run the gamut of gizmo fanciness (without delving into the infinite world of smartphone fitness apps).
Low-Tech but Useful: AutoSeal Kangaroo Water Bottle with Storage Compartment is a 24-ounce BPA-free water bottle that can hold your keys, ID, credit card, or money. If you’re lacking pockets or don’t want to lose small items in a large bag, the compartment on this water bottle could be rather handy. It’s not fancy technology, but it is a clever, practical design!
Fun and Unique: Activa’s most unique feature is an mp3 player that matches your music selection to your heart rate. It also gives you vocal feedback during your workout, speaking stats (like distance covered and calories burned) on demand.
Tiny Multi-Tasker: FitBit Ultra clips to a belt or fits in a pocket and can tell you how many steps you’ve taken, distance covered, calories burned, floors (or hills) climbed, and overall activity level, including sleep monitoring. It automatically syncs your info to FitBit’s web site whenever it’s within 15 feet of its base station, and you have access to other tools and resources online. This seems great if you’re detail-oriented and looking to monitor day-to-day activity rather than workouts.
Pricier but Powerful: Nike+ SportWatch GPS is possibly redundant if you already use a smartphone’s GPS and apps, but this watch with GPS tracks your route and distance while you run, while also storing your time, pace, heart rate, and calories burned. It also gives you access to the Nike+ online community.
Nifty but Specific: SpinPOWER I4 is a bicycle-powered iPhone (and other USB devices) charger, in case you’re using an app like CycleMeter but forgot to charge your phone before your long ride. Maybe it’s not essential to your workout, but it gives an added benefit to your cycling efforts!
And a last one that is really more “gear” than “gadget”: ElliptiGO is an outdoor elliptical bicycle. Yes, you read that correctly; it’s like taking your elliptical machine outside. It’s designed to be the best low-impact alternative to running, the only one of its kind. I’m not sure I could be convinced to purchase one (it’s expensive, and the arguments for its advantages over running, cycling, and regular elliptical trainers aren’t too compelling), but I’m fascinated nonetheless.
If you want to see some even crazier ideas, check out this gallery of 10 High-Tech Fat Burners for Fitness Geeks. It has some of the more outlandish products I’ve seen!
Doing research on workout accessories and other fitness products can be overwhelming, especially as you consider price and practicality. What products have you found to be most useful for the best price, which ones are functional but not worth the expense, and which ones look fun but are perhaps a little foolish?
Post Written by: Rebecca Dobrzynski