The market is booming. Everything that can be measured in terms of vital, fitness, and body metrics is recorded, evaluated, and analyzed via various gadgets. Fitness gadgets exist across a huge range of devices. First, there are classic fitness smartwatches, so-called wearables, worn on the wrist as a watch substitute. Almost everyone knows them. But the industry is inventive; tech gadgets, especially for sports and fitness, are constantly expanded, reinvented, and adapted to demand. And if you didn't know until now that you needed such a handy little tech helper, reading the respective product description will quickly give you the impression that you definitely need one – right now.
Classic fitness wearable: the fitness watch
It is an absolute perennial favorite: the fitness watch on your wrist. Where once only heart rate monitors, step counters, and calorie consumption were measured, a whole range of smart all-rounders are now at work. Smartwatches and digital watches with a multitude of additional features to measure your body, track and analyze metrics, and then sync all data via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to a dedicated app. Apple fans have their Apple Watch, presenting more tracking solutions and features with every generation. And then there are the Garmins, FitBits, and Polars, which, as top dogs among fitness trackers, offer every imaginable solution for tracking your vital data. Nowadays, you no longer necessarily need an additional heart rate chest strap; such fitness watches measure your heart rate conveniently on your wrist. Nice extra features such as step counters, sleep tracking, running workouts with GPS, as well as synchronization with your smartphone to control messages or music are also available almost everywhere. As always, the price determines the scope of features. From good basic models under 100 euros to luxury models that offer a massive range of features, are waterproof, but also cost several hundred euros. You would therefore do well to consider carefully before making such a purchase what exact metrics you would like to have tracked and what price-performance range your new fitness watch should fall into.
More exciting fitness gadgets
In addition to a classic all-rounder fitness watch, there are also other ways to track your vital signs, measure sleep habits, or simply keep track of your heart rate and daily steps. Popular among joggers are accessory solutions specially tailored for runners, such as arm sleeves or the Runtastic Orbit activity tracker. Outdoor athletes, on the other hand, likely place more value on a robust design like shock resistance or features tailored specifically to their sport. For example, there are models particularly suited for triathletes, as they show transition times, among other things. The Tom Tom Adventurer also has numerous features on board that are sure to delight outdoor athletes in particular, such as GPS, a barometer, a heart rate monitor, various outdoor sports modes, a route function, and an MP3 player.
However, nowadays you can also buy smart sports socks, smart punching bags, running mice for improved posture while running, massage guns, fitness wraps, and much more. The market is becoming increasingly diverse. There are classic all-rounders as well as fitness gadgets tailored to specific sports that bring specialized functions with them. These fitness trackers are now also available as necklaces, rings, or clips for your clothing. So it doesn't necessarily have to be a fitness watch—as long as the tool's underside makes contact with your skin to determine your stats.
Fitness gadget trends
Naturally, there are continuously new and exciting trends emerging from the fitness gadget scene.
Here, I would like to introduce you to a few particularly exciting gadgets:
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With STRAFFR, a smart fitness product was presented on "Höhle der Löwen" (Shark Tank/Dragon's Den). Numerous small sensors were built into a resistance band, continuously sending data to your smartphone during workouts so you can structure your training much more efficiently. A free app for iOS and Android is included. The practical thing is that you can easily take such a fitness band anywhere: to the hotel, the office, or the vacation home. Small, compact, and practical for motivating quick workouts on the go.
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It wasn't just Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson who made waves when he released his own collection with Under Armour, which was constantly sold out thanks to clever marketing. Today, a number of brands cater to music-loving athletes with cleverly designed earbuds, for example. These mostly wireless in-ear headphones are packed with smart sports and fitness tech. Naturally, you can use them to control your music playlist, but that's not all. Heart rate monitors are built in, or distance, duration, and pulse are measured. On top of that, you can take phone calls as usual with these earbuds, and they often feature a handy ambient mode function so you can still hear traffic noise despite listening to music.
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Out of the social media hype around the “Plank Challenge”, the exciting Plankpad by the company of the same name was born. They have now launched an interactive PRO version of their Plankpad. The device works together with a companion app, allowing you to directly establish a training routine ranging from challenges to special workout routines. Cleverly, they also released a kids' version of the app to playfully introduce even the youngest generation to full-body workouts. The special feature across all versions is that you place your smartphone on the Plankpad as a control unit and measuring device – so your phone notices as soon as you tilt and leave your optimal position.
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There are plenty of exciting helpers on the gadget market that help you track your vital signs and many other data points, thereby optimizing your workout. On top of that, there is a huge number of new fitness machines that either have a smart tracking system built right in or can connect via sensors to a fitness app on your smartphone. Some fitness gadgets are tailored specifically to certain sports, while others simply provide an overview of specific parameters you can monitor and improve. What they all have in common is that they motivate you, as you will always be trying to optimize and improve your performance in a gamified or competitive way.
