Cell phones and watches are not the only daily tools that are getting smarter. Fitness equipment is also advancing with technology to provide a more accurate and enhanced workout experience. David Reagan, an Atlanta, Georgia, based fitness trainer, breaks down the benefits of smart equipment from fitness apps to interactive displays and other smart amenities that a local or at-home gym might host.
1. Fitbit
Wearable devices such as Fitbit are a type of fitness technology that tracks movement from steps to workouts. Exercisers can wear a Fitbit fitness tracker on their wrist like a watch, as the product does tell the time. The sensors underneath the device can produce helpful feedback by monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse to keep users on the right health path. Fitbit can yield other metrics, including stress levels, sleep quality, menstrual cycle, oxygen saturation, and breathing.
2. NordicTrack Treadmill
NordicTrack has evolved its line of treadmills to the next level by supplying smart treadmills to those looking to boost workout effectiveness. The HD screens now displayed on these treadmills elevate the interactive personal training experience as they track performance and grant access to pre-programmed workouts. These smart NordicTrack treadmills can also be integrated into smartphone apps.
3. Peloton
Smart equipment is catering to athletes of all kinds, including cyclists. The productivity of a stationary bike is upgraded with Peloton’s smart technology, which also allows for other exercise equipment to be connected. The bike’s smart screen can stream content such as live classes or an online workout community. Though the benefit of keeping tabs on health metrics is a part of the package, having a fitness community to get connected with and fall back on when fitness motivation runs dry can be the difference between a New Year’s resolution and a long-term lifestyle change.
4. Aviron Rower
Another smart cardio machine that focuses on a specific type of exercise is the Aviron rowing machine. This exercise tool is considered the number one smart rowing machine for any home, and it is easy to see why. With the help of designing this machine with habit-forming psychology and game design, fitness just got fun with this connected rowing machine. Users can get a more mentally fulfilling workout by participating in immersive games, exciting races, or cardio and strength programs that are more structured.
5. Mirror
A Mirror looks like someone took a tablet, stretched it to human size, and mounted it on a wall. This large interactive tablet does exactly what its name entails, serving as a mirror that also streams live workouts or pre-recorded classes. With motivational feedback and fitness tracking, staying on top of fitness goals is more obtainable with equipment like Mirror or Tonal.
6. Smart Scales
Maintaining health goals means keeping up with mile markers that indicate progression. However, while weight loss is a large motivating factor as to why many exercise, focusing on weight alone should be deterred. Adding a smart scale such as a DEXA scan to any home or public gym can help paint a clearer picture of one’s health journey by providing additional measurements such as bone mass, muscle mass, fat mass, body fat percentage, body water percentage, heart rate, body mass index (BMI), and basal metabolic rate.
About David Reagan
David Reagan is a NASM Certified personal trainer from Atlanta, GA, who specializes in weight loss, personalized workout plans, bodybuilding, and nutrition. He caters to high-end clients and executives, helping them achieve their fitness goals by accommodating their busy schedules. The client’s needs come first, and David’s fitness plan will set you up on the path to success.
