It’s Not All About Wii Fit | 7 Hi Tech Endorphin Pumpers that Make Fitness Fun
There’s a fitness revolution underway. Technologically advanced exercise gadgets and equipment innovations are transforming not only how we exercise, but how we stay motivated to exercise.
The Wii Fit, at the forefront of this movement, has gained massive media attention. But there are many other new gadgets and exercise equipment advances that will keep you fired up about fitness.
Hear How You Run
Two of the most recognizable and successful brands in America, Nike and Apple have collaborated to develop a cutting edge fitness innovation.
The Nike + iPod Sport Kit monitors your running experience by transmitting data through a wireless connection between your Nike shoe and your iPod nano.
The microchip tracks speed, distance, time, and calories burned while real-time spoken feedback announces milestones throughout your workout .
The PowerSongs option integrates your favorite iTunes selections.
The kit works with the iPod nano 1G, 2G and 3G and any Nike+ shoe.
- Futuristic Factor: *****
- Fun Factor: ****
- Fitness Factor: ****
How does it work? Click here to see the Apple FAQ.
More info on Nike + iPod Sport Kit
Virtual Reality Enhanced Cycling Systems
Although The Expresso Upright Stationary Bike is designed for commercial fitness clubs (you can’t afford it), the cool factor merits a mention.
This futuristic system engages not just the muscles but also the mind by fusing exertainment with web-based personalization.
Imagine playing a visually stunning video game, but instead of planted on the sofa with a game pad, you’re actually riding a top-of-the-line recumbent or upright stationary bike.
The handlebars move for realistic steering as you pedal and compete on an interactive course, creating the immersive illusion of being on the open road.
The web based high-res screen delivers personalized, real time fitness information. You can set goals, track progress and log data online, taking your workout places it’ never been.
- Futuristic Factor: *****
- Fun Factor: *****
- Fitness Factor: *****
Check out the Expresso demonstration video.
For more affordable options see the Cateye line of Game Bikes.
A Personal Trainer in Your Pocket
Easily bored by your exercise routine? Get personalized guidance form Hollywood fitness trainers on your iPod or MP3 player. ITRAIN Personal Trainer downloadable programs include customized audio routines for running, walking, cycling, rowing, climbing, sculpting, stretching, swimming, boxing, pilates and yoga.
Celebrity endorsements include Courtney Cox, Sarah Silverman and Olympic Gold medal swimmer Natalie Coughlin.
If you’re apathetic about your current exercise routine, iTRAIN’s ever-changing menu of workouts will keep things new and fresh.
- Futuristic Factor: ***
- Fun Factor: ****
- Fitness Factor: *****
Transform Exercise Into “Gamercise”
Some fitness-themed games can only keep your attention for a short time before becoming boring and routine. What sets this system apart is the ability to plug in to any of your favorite games or systems.
Gamercize interacts with your Xbox360, PSP3 or Wii, letting you play normally while exercising — but when you pause the game pauses with you.
Adjust the exercise level to maximize enjoyment of the game and provide the greatest fitness benefit. The system records your statistics and you’ll be amazed at how much workout time you’ve logged when the game is over.
The Gamercize system is available as a cycle or stepper, the best choices to leave your hands free to operate the controller.
- Futuristic Factor: ***
- Fun Factor: *****
- Fitness Factor: ****
Monitor Body Fat with a Bioelectrical Impedance Algorithm
The Omron Body Fat Monitor and Scale uses full body sensing technology to accurately measure weight, body fat, visceral fat, skeletal muscle and resting metabolism. Knowing you’re losing actual body fat, not just water weight will keep you motivated, and the additional indicators help determine your ideal exercise levels and calorie intake.
How does it work? Bioelectrical Impedance (BI) is an accurate and safe method of screening body fat. Muscles, blood vessels and bones have a high water content that conducts electricity easily. Body fat has little electric conductivity.
The monitor transmits a harmless electrical current (you won’t feel it) through your entire body. It then calculates the amount of fat tissue using a formula that factors in electric resistance, height, weight, age and gender.
- Futuristic Factor: *****
- Fun Factor: ***
- Fitness Factor: ****
More info on the Omron Body Fat Monitor and Scale
Track Cardio & Weight Lifting Progress on Your Wrist
For the gadget loving exercise enthusiast the Polar F55 Heart Rate Monitor for Fitness and Weight Lifting takes fitness monitoring to a new level. This multi-purpose device tracks three essential components of good health –“ cardiovascular, strength training & relaxation.
- Cardiovascular: Wireless ECG Heart Rate Monitor
- Strength Training: Body Workout Program (counts sets, reps and recommends weight)
- Relaxation: OwnRelax Program (checks the body’s state of relaxation and helps you “listen” to your body)
The Polar F55 prescribes the best total body program for your fitness level, and all training data can be uploaded and tracked on the Polar Personal Trainer website.
After 3 weeks of following the initial exercise program the unit will ask you to re-test your fitness level and then recalculate the next three-week program. This ongoing cycle of monitoring and testing is a great motivator.
- Futuristic Factor: *****
- Fun Factor: ***
- Fitness Factor: *****
Globally Position Your Workout
Take your ride to the next level with the Garmin Edge 305HR+ GPS Navigator. With this Bicycle Computer, Heart Rate Monitor and Cadence Sensor on board you’ll always know where you’re going and how far you’ve gone.
The easy-to-install and highly sensitive device measures pedaling cadence, heart rate, speed, distance, time, calories burned, altitude, climb and descent.
The “Virtual Partner” makes your training more fun by matching you against a virtual competitor. The training timer auto pauses when you drop below a specified speed and resumes when you speed up again. Auto Lap automatically triggers a lap every time you pass a specified location or travel a preset distance.
From competitive road racing to mountain biking, the cyclist-friendly, lightweight Edge will keep you engaged on the path to achieving your personal best.
- Futuristic Factor: *****
- Fun Factor: ****
- Fitness Factor: ****
More info on the Garmin Edge 305HR+ GPS Navigator
- Have you tried out any of these new gadgets or machines?
- Have a favorite?
- Don’t agree with our choices or know of some others?
- Leave a comment below and let us know what you think.
Also See
- Apple Nike + iPod nano Sport Kit | Workout Motivation for the Gadget Lover
- Apple Nike + iPod nano Sport Kit | Workout Motivation for the Gadget Lover
- Nike Plus+ Sport Band | Accurate & Motivating Workout Accessory
- Polar F55 Men’s Heart Rate Monitor for Fitness and Weight Lifting | Measures & Motivates
- Nintendo Wii Fit Plus & Wii Fit Plus Balance Board Combo Fitness Game
Great collection of products. I want some of these!
I like the stationary bike/video game concept! I ride mine quite a bit and I could sure use the additional incentive. Cool stuff!
I can vouch for the Polar heart rate monitor. Amazing gadget. Haven’t tried the others but love the concept on that Omron scale.
i really like the bodyfat analysis machine. Seems like a very convenient yet very accurate way to measure bodyfat
Is there any fun technology that helps with weightlifting (I saw the watch above but wasn’t excited)? I’m a chronic exercise procrastinator who has been able to get into regular fitness again using Wii Fit. Now I need something to help make lifting more fun.
I agree, the black facade of that Polar F55 isn’t very interesting, but it does track weight lifting stats. Maybe they need to release a line of colorful skins with some extra bells and whistles.
Yea I like the bike video game combination. I would definitely use it (if I could afford it).
iTRAIN rocks.
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