How Do High Tech Fitness Gadgets Really Stack Up?
High tech has entered the fitness world, and judging by its popularity it is here to stay.
New gadgets are constantly being introduced, along with fitness apps and exercise machines. You can track everything from your activity levels and number of calories burned to heart rate and sleep patterns at night. This information is analyzed and used to recommend ways for you to improve your performance and succeed at reaching your fitness goals.
With so many new high tech fitness gadgets and apps entering the market, it can be hard to tell if they’re worth your time and money. If you love the convenience and help that you get from these gadgets, here are a few of our new favorites.
High Tech Gear to Get You in Shape
When you are looking at the new high tech fitness gear one aspect to keep in mind is how easy it is to use. The last thing you want is to have to concentrate on operating your new gadget in the middle of your workout. Not only will your data be off, but you won’t be getting the most out of your exercise plan.
Thankfully, most manufacturers keep this in mind when they are designing the top rated high tech fitness gadgets. Best of all advances in technology also means that there is an app or gadget designed for almost every sport and activity.
Smart Jump Rope
If you are training for strength and endurance or cardio is an important part of your daily workout, a smart jump rope might be just what you need to help you track your progress. It can also track time and number of calories burned so you’ll know exactly where you are at reaching your fitness goals.
Smart Sports Bra
If support, comfort and activity tracking are important to you, a high-tech sports bra might be the perfect wearable gadget to keep you going through your strenuous workouts. Not only will you get the support you need to stay comfortably active, it can also monitor your breathing, heart rate and number of calories burned throughout the workout.
Smart watches
While smart watches will probably never completely replace fitness trackers, these high-tech gadgets are quickly gaining in popularity. Thanks to their built-in GPS capabilities, smart watches are extremely accurate at monitoring your stats. This can be crucial if you are training for an upcoming event.
You can also use the GPS function to chart new courses and pinpoint specific locations. If you are jogging or cycling on an unfamiliar path, a smart watch will also ensure that you don’t get lost on your way to the finish line.
Smart headphones
Not only are earbuds going wireless, you can now track your heart rate and listen to your favorite workout tunes. Smart headphones now work in concert with a heart rate monitor strap so you can easily track your performance. Simply by tapping on the earbuds you will hear your current heart rate so you’ll know if you need to increase or decrease the intensity of your workout. This really makes it easy for you to get the most out of your daily exercise routines.
Smart ballcaps
Baseball hats have always been popular head gear with all types of athletes and fitness buffs during their workouts. Now these caps can do more than sit on your head. The latest high-tech baseball hats are not only stylish, they can also monitor body temperature and heart rate. Not only does this ensure that you are giving the workout your best, it can also prevent over-exertion and other heat related problems.
Push Band
This high-tech fitness gadget is quickly becoming a favorite with body builders and weight lifters. The small band wraps comfortably around your forearm, and tracks your power and velocity rates during each lift. The data provided by the band can be instrumental in ensuring that you are in the right training zone throughout your workout so you can meet your targeted goals.
Get in Shape with High Tech Equipment
It’s not just workout gear that is “going high-tech”, but so are many of the exercise machines you commonly see in the gym. While the overall designed hasn’t changed, the technology has gone through numerous advances. Best of all, the additional features and functions hasn’t resulted in a significant increase in price.
Thanks to the updated technology many exercise machines can now help you set goals, tailor the workouts to your specific needs and track your performance. Some are even designed to help you stay engaged and motivated during your workouts. This can be an advantage when you are walking in place on a treadmill or pedaling an elliptical.
Some of the new features you can take advantage of on these high-tech exercise machines include,
Data tracking
Exercise machines can now monitor almost every aspect of your workout, and store the information so you can track your performance. Some even allow you to create a workout calendar or will create an assessment report. This makes it easier to see areas where your performance may be lacking.
These data tracking apps can often be linked to your smartphone or tablet so you can access your workout history from almost any location. Some even provide you with membership to their online community where you can find support and encouragement.
Personalized programs
The advances in technology has also made it possible for you to design a workout program tailored specifically to help you reach your fitness goals. Instead of a “one size fits all” workout, these high-tech exercise machines allow you to adjust its intensity as needed. If you have a favorite workout, you can even program it into the machine’s memory.
Entertainment
One of the biggest problems with exercise machines used to be the lack of engagement. It is easy to get bored when you are walking or pedaling in place. Along with WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities, many of the high-tech exercise machines also allow you to download daily workouts. If the model comes with Google Maps, you can even simulate workouts in exotic locations. This is one of the best ways to stay engaged on an exercise machine.
Are the High-tech Gadgets Worth It?
High-tech fitness gadgets are here to stay, and they can help you “get in shape”. Whether they are worth the expense will depend on you and your fitness goals. If you love tracking every aspect of your journey or need the added stimulation and engagement, then these high-tech gadgets do stack up.
It is important to remember that no matter how advanced the technology is, it does not replace hard work and a healthy diet. These apps and gadgets will not perform the exercises for you nor will they help you reach your goals if you don’t follow a regular workout plan. When all of this is combined, you can get in shape, improve athletic performance and succeed at your workout plan.
Before you make any changes to your workout routine or start a new one, it is always best if you first speak with a licensed physician or experienced trainer.