From fitness trackers that tell you how much harder you should work to burn maximum calories, to headphones that help you fine-tune your movements, to in-home coaching for boxing and cycling workouts, here’s a look at some of the most anticipated fitness-related tech that was highlighted at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show. Detailed and advanced, these tools are bound to motivate you to get off the couch and into better shape.
FightCamp Gym
Who really needs it: Boxing enthusiasts who love workouts but hate the gym Why you might want it anyway: As a beginner, you’ll have license to suck in the exclusivity of your own home Price: $995, plus $39 per month for classes Boxing is a fantastic aerobic and strength-building workout, but this tech-driven version from FightCamp doesn’t require you to take any punches to the head — or any other part of your body for that matter. A Bluetooth “punch counter” is placed inside each glove, so while you’re throwing down, a sensor captures the speed, volume, and number of punches. The FightCamp system includes a punching bag, a pair of gloves, hand wraps, and an exercise mat. On-demand classes — four new ones are released each week — lead you through each workout. FightCamp Gym, $995 plus $39 per month for classes, JoinFightCamp.com
NordicTrack VR Bike
Who really needs it: If you’re particularly motivated by games, this is your ride Why you might want it anyway: I mean, it’s pretty freaking cool — who wouldn’t want this? Price: $1,999, which includes a yearlong iFit membership featuring live training classes NordicTrack’s new bike is one of the first of its kind to bring total-body gaming into the fitness market. First, create your avatar, which completely connects to your body’s full range of motion. Then choose one of the three fantasy worlds built into the bike. Conquer zombies in the apocalyptic land of The Last Rider, take your avatar on a ridiculous starlight ride in Aerospace, or dive into the most insane bike route of your life in Bike Messenger. For those less into fantasy, the bike also includes virtual rides through some of the world’s most scenic locations (think: the Alps and Patagonia) and a one-year personal-training program. NordicTrack VR Bike, $1,999, NordicTrack.com (available summer 2019)
Fitbit Charge 3
Who really needs it: Fitness fanatics who want a sleek exercise and sleep tracker but don’t need all the bells and whistles of, say, a watch that receives text messages and phone calls Why you might want it anyway: If you find yourself sitting too long, this watch will nudge you Price: $149 The latest version of the popular Fitbit Charge is waterproof and has a seven-day battery life. With a real-time feel, this gadget automatically tracks and logs everything your body does: steps taken, calories burned, sleep patterns, menstrual patterns (no period diaries necessary!), heart rate, and even the number of laps you run around a track. By using the Fitbit app, you’re able to use this information as a way to set and track goals. But wait, there’s more to this miracle watch! As part of its aim to help you achieve overall wellness, Fitbit will send you reminders when it’s time to move and even provides guided breathing exercises to help you de-stress. Fitbit Charge 3, $149, Walmart.com RELATED: How to Pick the Right Fitness Tracker for Your Health Needs
Halo Sport 2 Headphones
Who really needs it: Athletes or musicians who are serious about improving performance, down to the level of improving the neuromuscular connections that come with repetition Why you might want it anyway: Perfectionists would die for this Price: $299 The Halo Sport 2 headphones use a concept called “neuropriming” to enhance fine motor skills, especially those needed for sports — baseball players for the San Francisco Giants reportedly used these gadgets to train for their fourth World Series win — or for learning something that requires repetition, like music or language. The headband is lined with soft spikes that feed electricity into the part of your brain that’s responsible for muscle memory. Halo Sport 2 Headphones, $299, HaloNeuro.com
JaxJox KettlebellConnect
Who really needs it: Fitness fiends who train at home or have space constraints Why you might want it anyway: It’s an entire gym in one compact package Price: $349 Six weights in one compact package — that’s the beauty of the space-saving, muscle-building JaxJox KettlebellConnect. In a matter of seconds, you can up your weight from 12 to 42 pounds. The associated JaxJox app tracks reps, sets, weight, and rest time. JaxJox KettlebellConnect, $349, JaxJox.com Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music Who really needs it: Anyone who wants a fitness tracker that does it all Why you might want it anyway: Do you need another reason? Price: $239.99 to $279.99 Garmin’s latest watch can track more than a dozen activities — running and cycling, of course, but also swimming and golf — and has many of the same features as the Apple Watch. That means you can send and receive texts and even download up to 500 songs (to play through a wireless headset). The Vivoactive 3 has a feature that will notify your emergency contacts in case of a fall. Garmin Vivoactive 3, $239.99 to $279.99, Walmart.com Flexispot All-in-One Desk Bike Who really needs it: Anyone who finds it difficult to find the time to exercise Why you might want it anyway: It’s hard to avoid working out when your desk chair is a bike Price: $399 Say goodbye to that age-old excuse: “I don’t have time to work out.” Thanks to this compact contraption — part standing desk, part bike — you won’t have to choose between responding to all those emails and getting a sweat in. Grab your laptop and place it on the desk surface, hop on, and start pedaling. While it might be challenging to get in a super-high intensity workout while you’re working at this desk, it’s certainly possible to increase aerobic fitness. Flexispot All-in-One Desk Bike, $399, Flexispot.com
