Life

Cool Gadgets For An Easier, More Enjoyable Workout

Over the past few years the fitness industry has become seriously trendy. Cool fitness gadgets are popping up left, right, and center, and everyone seems to be using some kind of health and fitness app.

One of the best things about the boom in fitness technology is that users can really make the most of their workouts, no matter what their exercise of choice is. Contemporary fitness technology could be responsible for sparking motivation in people who might not have been into fitness beforehand.

Some folks may just want to get in on the fitness trend, because being fit (or giving the impression that you lead a healthy lifestyle) is very in right now. It’s a far cry away from the heroin chic trend of the ‘90s and instead of models repping this new fad, there are a host of Instagram and YouTube “celebs” showing the world a peek into their super healthy lifestyles. Of course, many of these folks have embraced fitness tech and their feeds and channels act as aspirational eye candy to the general public.

If you want to look sporty and chic while you workout, or if you just love gadgets, this selection of tech will make your exercise routine easier and probably more enjoyable.

1. The Underwater Earphones

Sony Walkman 4 GB Waterproof Sports MP3 Player With Swimming Earbuds, $88, Amazon

Ever wanted to listen to your own music at the pool, while above or below the surface of the water? Well now you can with Sony's swimming earbuds that will offer music to your ears, as far down as two meters.

2. The Bluetooth Padlock

Noke Keyless Bluetooth Smart Padlock, $68.99, Amazon

With its year-long battery life and weather resistant exterior, this bluetooth padlock could make your exercise routine much simpler. It unlocks when your phone is nearby, so you no longer need to carry a key or remember a number sequence. Don't worry if your phone battery dies; you can set up a 'Quick Click' combination to gain access to your belongings, just in case your phone runs out of juice.

3. The Super Smart Scales

Withings Smart Body Analyzer Scale, $129.99, Amazon

These smart scales prove that health and fitness is not all about weight. This intelligent piece of tech also tells you your heart rate while sending the results to your smartphone to track in the Health Mate app. It does some other really cool things too; it provides a weather forecast to see how different weather conditions make an impact on your life, plus it reads the air quality of the room it's in so you can open a window if needed.

4. The Revolutionized Skipping Rope

Tangram Smart Jump Rope, $89.99, Amazon

This modern take on the classic jump rope, allows you to see your fitness data in mid-air, due to its LED light design. It syncs with the Smart Gym app so you can track your own fitness and go head to head with your friends. This is no ordinary jump rope.

5. The Pretty Heart Rate Monitor

Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor, $44.95, Amazon

This heart rate monitor is simple to use, attractive, and of course, does the job and then some. It helps to track your heart rate, shows the calories you burned during your workout, and allows you to set a Target Heart Rate Zone to make sure you're staying on track with your fitness goals.

6. The Smart Socks With A Gadget Anklet

Sensoria Fitness Socks And Anklet, $200, Fancy

This bundle includes two pairs of smart socks and an electronic anklet. The Sensoria® socks are created with textile sensors which pair with the Bluetooth Smart detachable anklet. This match made in runner’s heaven, helps you track a variety of things such as your foot landing technique, speed, and calories plus they could assist you in identifying “injury-prone running styles.” The mobile app gives you audio cues so you can make the most of your run.

7. The Apple Watch With Sport Band

38mm Gold Aluminum Case With Antique White Sport Band, $349, Apple

If you're looking for a great all-rounder gadget which looks absolutely stunning, then the Apple Watch with a cool sport band is the ideal choice for you.

8. The SmartMat

SmartMat: The World's First Intelligent Yoga Mat, $347 + Shipping, IndieGoGo

The designers of SmartMat have really nailed this gadget for aspiring yogis. This clever mat enables the user to develop their placement, alignment, balance, and generally improve their practice by communicating to them visually or audibly (or both) depending on whether you're in a class or alone at home. SmartMat works with your phone or tablet to show you a real time heat map of your practice; so it's basically like having your own personal yoga instructor wherever you are.

9. The Beautifully Clever Ring

Ringly Dive Bar Smart Ring, $200, UrbanOutfitters

Have you ever been working out, but not giving it your all, because you’ve been waiting for an important call? This smart ring syncs with the Ringly app on your smartphone and lights up and/or vibrates to inform you that you’ve received a text or a phone call – so you won’t need to check your phone every five minutes to make sure you haven’t missed anything. This ring is also super useful for setting reminders if you have an important work meeting, or a personal appointment. You can get on with your workout or your workday, knowing that if you’re needed, your ring will let you know.

10. The No-Fuss Withings Go

Withings Go, $69.95, Withings

Withings Go is a small device that packs a handy, fitness punch. It helps you track walking and running, sleep, calories, and even swimming. It can function as a watch when you desire and it comes with a clip or a wristband, so you can choose to wear it wherever you want. It's super simple and runs off a button cell, so it doesn't need charging and the battery lasts up to eight months. This is a great gadget for no-fuss fitness fanatics.

11. The Cyclist's BFF

Water-Resistant iPhone 6 Case And Bike Mount, $26, Urban Outfitters

This water-resistant case and bike mount combo is sure to be a cyclist's dream. It enables the user to glance at routes or cycling apps (such as Strava) when needed, without having to stop riding and dig around in a bag or pocket. Attach it to your exercise bike or treadmill if you're more of a gym bunny than an all-weather rider.

Revolutionize your fitness routine with a clever gadget or two, which will make your exercise regime a dream!

Images: Courtesy Brands