Here at Well+Good HQ, nerding out on fitness tech is kind of our thing. Whenever something new comes across one of our desks, the entire team crowds around to take a peek and give it a try (similar to what happens when Kells McPhillips’ dad sends cookies). And over the last few months, there has been a lot of cool stuff that we’ve collectively fan-girled (and fan-boyed—hi, Jamie!) over.
From recovery tools that make foam rolling suck exponentially, less than usual headphones that will never, ever die during a run, to the smartest socks we’ve ever seen, scroll through to see the latest and greatest in fitness tech for 2019 that Well+Good editors can’t stop talking about. But beware: Should you choose to invest in one of these for your own arsenal, you may become just as devote about fit-tech as we are. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Keep on scrolling for the best of the best.
Theragun Liv ($299)
Your favorite piece of recovery equipment just got two major updates. The latest addition to the Theragun family is both quieter and more affordable than the original device, two things we can definitely get on board with. The muscle-massaging tool is essentially like foam rolling at your fingertips, and utilizes vibrational therapy to help get rid of soreness and tension. It retails for $299 (a full $100 less than the G3Pro), and is small enough to fit in your gym bag.
Beats Powerbeats Pro ($250)
There are few things more annoying than your headphones dying when you’re right in the middle of an Ariana Grande-fueled abs workout. But thanks to the Beats Powerbeats Pro you’ll never have to worry about bad battery life killing your vibe again. The wireless headphones hold a charge for up to nine hours, and have other cool features like Siri compatibility and pausing your music when you pull ’em out so you won’t miss a single second of “Thank U Next.” They’re not out until May, though, which gives you just the right amount of time to prep the perfect playlist ahead of their arrival.
Fitbit Versa ($200)
I don’t use the term “life changing” lightly, but I can say with full confidence that the FitBit Versa is worthy of the title. The smart watch counts your steps, while monitoring heart rate, sleep, workouts, and even my menstrual cycle, and syncs everything with an easy-to-use app on your phone. I’ve firmly resisted any sort of wearable tech until a month ago, when I started wearing my Versa, and it’s made me more active, better at sleeping, and more acutely aware of how I’m treating my body. Plus, it looks really, really cool on my wrist.
Apple Airpods 2 ($199)
Apple describes its new Airpods as the “most magical ever,” and for good reason: They offer a longer battery life, plus a voice-activated connection to your trusty ol’ pal Siri. True to form, the sound quality is A+, which makes it worth it for all of the Airpod-wearer memes you’ll be able to relate to a little too well, should you choose to invest. What’s more, on a run, you never have to pull over to toggle your songs, you can just tap and you’re on to whatever is next on your playlist.
Under Armour Rush ($50)
We’re all looking for that one thing that’s going to help us go harder-better-faster-stronger in our workouts, and Under Armour’s latest line of gear does pretty much exactly that. It’s specifically engineered to promote peak performance, and the responsive fabric converts the heat that your body produces during a workout into infrared energy that’s re-emitted back into your body—essentially working the same way an infrared sauna would. You can test the tech for yourself by way of a shirts sports bras, and leggings, or deck yourself out in a full look with all three.
Smart Sock V2.0 & Sensoria Core ($199)
High-tech socks may not sound all that exciting, but hear me out: These babies are worth getting excited about. Not only are they made from run-friendly fabric, but they’re also fitted with an Sensoria Core electronic sensor that pairs with your phone to track not only your steps, speed, calories, altitude and distance, but also your cadence, foot landing technique, and impact score. See? Told you they were cool.
TB12 Vibrating Pliability Roller ($160)
Why use a regular old foam roller when you can use one that vibrates? The vibrations help to loosen and lengthen muscles so you can really get in there while you roll, and also helps boost circulation. I’ve given my own SLT-sore legs their fair share of once-overs with this baby, and all I can say is, dayum. Everyone from Tom Brady to Khloé Kardashian swears by this type of tech, which means you’ll undoubtedly love no matter what modality you’re into these days.
Powerdot 2.0 ($249)
Powerdot touts itself as “the world’s smartest muscle recovery and performance tool,” and Well+Good news writer Kells McPhillips wholeheartedly agrees. “Strap on the Powerdot at the gym and people suddenly start looking at you like you’re Legit. The muscle stimulation gives the illusion that your muscles are dancing. And once you’ve used it a few times, you’ll feel recovered enough to groove, too,” she tells me. The electrodes stick to your arm/leg/other sore body part, and uses neuromusclar electric stimulation to help you recover faster by doing things like massaging out knots and increasing circulation. Plus, it pairs to your phone via Bluetooth, so even the most technologically challenged fitness enthusiasts (#itme) can reap the benefits.
JaxJox Kettlebell Connect ($349)
Six kettlebells for the price (and floor space) of one may sound too good to be true, but thanks to JaxJox it is very much the real thing. The Kettlebell Connect (or as we in the office like to call it, the “magic kettlebell“) uses a high-tech magnet system to give you a variety of different kettlebell weights, from 12 to 42 pounds (in increments of six pounds), which you can control via a handy digital screen. Plus, it tracks your reps and sets, rest time, weight time, and power so you can keep track of just how #swole you’re getting while you use it. It’s the perfect piece of tech for anyone who’s always dreamed of owning a full set of at-home ‘bells, but hasn’t wanted to, say, get rid of their couch or TV console for the cause.
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