Maybe you like to run, or perhaps you’re many years into a regular gym habit. You’ve dabbled with fitness wearables and thought about treating yourself to a massage gun, but never got around to buying one. Perhaps your foam roller is starting to crumble, and that free tee you got with protein powder has seen better days. You might be fitter, but your fitness equipment and tech are due for an upgrade.
The Engadget team has picked some of their favorite exercise tech purchases that have made our fitness journeys less of a struggle. From the best wearable tech to our favorite smart scale, some selections command premium prices, while a few are surprisingly affordable.
As we said in our review, the Oura ring is a wearable for people who hate wearables. It also offers more robust sleep tracking than many watch-like devices. Despite the size and weight remaining unchanged from the second-gen Oura ring, it’s incredible how much technology is crammed into this thing. The third generation has sensors that can track your heart rate continuously; temperature monitoring; blood oxygenation; and period prediction.
The Oura ring is very serious about tracking everything it can. Given the lack of a display, you’ll need your smartphone to check on your recovery scores and how well you slept. These scores are synthesized from biometrics, including your heart rate variability, body temperature, resting heart rate and breathing rate. With a subscription – yes, something you may have to pay beyond the $ 299 asking price – you’ll get weekly summaries to show how your activity levels and sleeping hours are trending. I like Oura’s ability to tell when you’ve been training a little too hard and that the app suggests taking a day off to recover.
The ring isn’t perfect. The company has let some features drag for months – especially frustrating when some users pay a monthly sub. For example, blood oxygenation (SpO2) level tracking was promised when the third-gen Oura Ring was first announced and has only just arrived on most rings – almost half a year late.
A warning: If you’re planning to track weight lifting workouts with the Oura ring, the black edition is likely to show some conspicuous scratches if you’re gripping metallic bars and plates. I also struggled with pull-ups, as I’m not quite used to wearing a ring while gripping for my life. – Mat Smith, UK Bureau Chief
The most popular smartwatch series continues to lead on the feature front – if you ignore sleep tracking. The Series 7 has the biggest screen yet of any Apple Watch. It’s over 50 percent bigger than the Series 3 and 20 percent larger than the Series 6 that came before it. With more screen space and bigger buttons, it’s easier to stop and start workouts and check your heart rate and time elapsed during exercise. In addition, since watchOS 5, Apple’s wearables have been able to auto-detect specific workouts, which is great for when you forget to start logging a run or a spin session.
The Series 7 can track your VO2 Max levels, measuring your cardiorespiratory fitness level. What’s cool here is how the wearable notifies you when your levels tangibly change. So if you start a new intensive workout regime, you’ll see these figures creep up. Your iPhone will notify you when you make tangible improvements, say moving from below to above average cardio fitness levels, possibly even to its high fitness level. I’ve been hovering around 50 VO2 Max, but I’ll get to 52 eventually.
The Apple Watch also has its own connected workout platform in the form of Fitness+, offering HIIT, dance, pilates, yoga classes and more, streaming classes to your iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV. Your heart rate will show on screen during many classes, indicating how you’re faring compared to other Fitness+ members and hopefully inspiring you to push a little harder.
Of course, Apple Watch Series 8 (as well as a new ‘pro’ Ultra model) are both launching very soon. The Watch Ultra, in particular, packs longer battery life and a brighter screen — perfect for outdoor sports. – M.S.
Buy Apple Watch Series 7 at Amazon – $ 389
Theragun’s unique triangle design helps its devices stand out from a legion of other massage therapy guns. Multiple ways to grip the Theragun make it easier to target trickier body parts. As one of the more premium massage devices, it offers 16mm amplitude (typically only bested by devices several hundred dollars more) and speeds of up to 2,400 percussions per minute. Some health claims (like improved performance) are backed up by limited studies, but others (including sped-up muscle recovery) are not. I love using mine to target specifically tight areas; it even feels good ahead of a workout.
The Theragun Prime is better than most of the massage gun competition. It’s more flexible, too. Compared to Therabody’s own more basic options, the Prime comes with three extra attachments in addition to the standard ball: a cone, a dampener with a flattened head, and a thumb attachment, which can help dig deeper. The battery is thankfully long-lasting, too. – M.S.
Buy Theragun Prime at Amazon – $ 299
It’s time to throw away that chunky analog scale with the wobbly dial. Instead, for a more aesthetically pleasing design and deeper insight into your body weight and composition, it’s time to go digital. Several smart scale options are available, but I’ve used the sensibly priced Eufy Smart Scale P1. This smart scale connects with your smartphone to sync your data, and you just need to remember to open the app. Otherwise, it won’t track your progress.
It can monitor your weight in imperial or metric measurements and even make a rough guess at your body fat and water percentages. However, it’s worth noting that domestic smart scales are often not hugely accurate at gauging these measurements.
There are even more advanced smart scales too. Still, they are usually over double the price of the Smart Scale P1, often adding unnecessary features like multiple user profiles, Alexa voice activation, athletic modes for pro athletes and more. At some point, it’s diminishing returns, but the ability to digitally track (as well as set up weigh-in reminders) helped me form better habits to monitor my weight. – M.S.
Buy Smart Scale P1 at Amazon – $ 45
Many true wireless earbuds, let alone conventional headphones, weren’t made for working out. Some have non-removable parts that can get gunked up, while others lack water and dust resistance or have wires liable to tangle up or tug at you during workouts. For many of these reasons, I swear by true wireless earbuds and the Beats Fit Pro deliver on everything I want from workout buds. That includes active noise cancellation (less weight slamming and awful gym music), an understated profile, and a comfortable fit with a convenient fin design to lock it into your ear without making your ears ache.
Thankfully, they don’t stick out your ears like many earbud options. The company recently launched a series of even more subtle skin-colored buds in collaboration with Kim Kardashian. With Apple’s H1 chip, the Beats Fit Pro can offer hands-free Siri functionality and enhanced Find My item tracking. – M.S.
Buy Beats Fit Pro at Amazon – $ 200
One of the best things I’ve done for my fitness routine as of late is introducing some variety. Since I work out in the morning right after waking up, it’s pretty easy for me to fall into a routine of doing the same thing over and over again. However, I’ve found it much easier to switch things up by relying on an on-demand fitness subscription.
I’ve tried a handful of the many services out there now, but the ones I’ve stuck with are Peloton and Alo Moves. I don’t own a single piece of Peloton hardware; I instead spend $ 13 each month for app access only, and that’s where I take most of my strength-training classes. I like that they’re constantly putting out new offerings every day, but the backlog of on-demand classes is bursting at the seams, too. The sessions are challenging and engaging, and there are plenty of options if you don’t have any equipment at all.
Alo Moves is more focused on yoga, pilates and barre, and it’s a bit more expensive at $ 20 per month. I’m more interested in toning than bulking up, so I try to incorporate some of these classes into my strength training routine. I particularly like that Alo Moves has a “series” of sessions that fall under the same umbrella that you can take over the course of many days. When I really don’t want to think about what I’m doing on a given morning for a workout, it’s easy just to turn to the next class in the barre series I was already working on. – Valentina Palladino, Senior Commerce Editor
Subscribe to Peloton app – $ 13/montthSubscribe to Alo Moves – $ 20/month
For a lot of us, space is at a premium. We might have enough space to roll out a yoga mat, but not much more beyond that. Consolidating (and shrinking) your home workout gear is a nice way to keep your exercise habits going without tripping over weights or resistance band. Bowflex is a well-established fitness company that’s made adjustable dumbbells for several years now. The weight range will depend on the model, but the Bowflex SelectTech 552i can be dialed (literally) down to 2kg (4.4 pounds) and up to 24kg (53 pounds) each, making them suitable for all kinds of full-body and dedicated muscle group moves. A dial on each side of the weight adjusts how many plates the bar latches onto, with the remaining weight staying behind in the included storage tray.
There are several adjustable dumbbells out there, but I prefer this classic ‘dumbbell’ look compared to some of the more squarish-looking rivals. One minor issue is that you’ll have to tinker with both sides to adjust the weight. Also, if you’re looking for an on-demand workout service, Bowflex includes a free one-year subscription to its JRNY streaming service. – M.S.
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When Samsung announced the Galaxy Watch Active this year, it came with their “mobile” version of One UI, the newer, sleeker software that was found on Samsung handsets running Android 9.0 Pie. It includes a few new features and an easier to navigate interface, but we were all really hoping to see it back ported […]
Come comment on this article: Samsung’s older watches get One UI update, including Galaxy Watch, Gear S3, and Gear Sport
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The Galaxy Note 8 wasn’t the only device to be announced today, although it does seem like it was the only one that was supposed to be shown off. During all the commotion, Samsung’s Spanish website listed the Gear Fit 2 Pro before pulling it back down. Was it supposed to be announced with the Note 8 […]
Come comment on this article: Samsung accidentally confirms Gear Fit 2 Pro
Samsung’s latest update for its Gear S3 smartwatch brings with it a host of enhancements and tweaks to Samsung Health, Reminders, accessibility, and various other apps and functions.
The post Samsung’s ‘Value Pack’ update brings goodies to Gear S3 smartwatch users appeared first on Digital Trends.
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Come comment on this article: Samsung Gear S3 Value Pack update brings new health features and other functions
At Mobile World Congres in Barcelona, Spain, Samsung and Facebook’s Oculus Rift division announced the Gear VR controller, a virtual reality gamepad. Here is our first impression of the controller.
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Have you been wondering whether the Gear S3 is worth picking up or not? Our very own Justin Herrick unboxed the latest smartwatch from Samsung. See what he thinks after the break. There’s a raft of new features that come with the Gear S3 that make it all that more better than its predecessor, the […]
Come comment on this article: [Video] Unboxing the Samsung Gear S3
A Samsung executive has let it slip the Gear VR 2 will be released in the near future, and that it will be followed by an even more exciting project, based around augmented reality. The headset may deliver a Microsoft HoloLens-like experience.
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Samsung has two new smartwatches for 2016: The Gear S3 Classic and Gear S3 Frontier. Here’s everything you need to know about them, including our in-depth first look at the watches, and how to pre-order one.
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Samsung’s Unpacked 2016 was a double whammy: in addition to taking the wraps off its Note 7 smartphone, the company unveiled a new Gear VR headset. It’s a slight improvement over last year’s model, and it’s available for pre-order now.
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Come comment on this article: Samsung’s Gear 360 officially gets released in the US later this month
Rumors are slowly gathering that Samsung may have a new Gear VR headset in the works, but details are slim, leading to speculation it may be compatible with the forthcoming Galaxy Note 7 smartphone.
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The Wolffepack Capture is a unique camera backpack designed to be accessible without ever having to take it off your back. To do this, it uses a patented “trapeze” technology.
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Samsung’s Gear S2 smartwatch will soon get a big software update. The highlights include a recommended app screen and custom watch faces, plus an updated weather and clock interface and new voice assistance features.
The post Samsung’s Gear S2 will soon get a substantial software upgrade appeared first on Digital Trends.
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There are a ton of fitness trackers out there, but two of the best known have to be the Samsung Gear Fit 2 and the Fitbit Blaze. But which is better? Check out our spec comparison for a closer look at which device comes out on top in terms of both hardware and software.
The post Samsung Gear Fit 2 vs Fitbit Blaze: Can Samsung dethrone the fitness tracking champion? appeared first on Digital Trends.
CE Week is winding down, and while most of the big players don’t have a large presence, there’s still a lot of new and exciting products to take a look at — take a peek at these five handy mobile accessories.
The post Gear up with these five handy mobile accessories from CE Week appeared first on Digital Trends.
Samsung’s bringing its $ 350 Gear 360 camera to the US, but there’s a catch: orders are limited to attendees of VidCon in Anaheim, California. It’s also revamping its Milk VR application.
The post Samsung’s $ 350 Gear 360 VR camera finally hits the States, but there’s a catch appeared first on Digital Trends.
Samsung has finally taken the wraps off the successor to the Gear Fit, aka the aptly-titled Gear Fit 2. But is the new fitness tracker that much better than the original? Check out our spec comparison for a closer look at the software and hardware powering both devices.
The post Samsung Gear Fit vs. Gear Fit 2: Which fitness tracker should you buy? appeared first on Digital Trends.
Samsung’s Gear Fit 2 is better than a Fitbit in almost every way. Its design is sleek, it offers smart notifications, and it can automatically track your workouts. Here’s our review.
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Samsung’s first Gear Fit left a lot to be desired, but its second-generation Gear Fit 2 looks like a winner. Is it good enough to take on the Fitbit?
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After a period of absence, Samsung may be planning a return to the world of fitness wearables, after two new products — the Gear Fit 2, and activity tracking wireless earbuds called the IconX — were leaked.
The post Samsung is making another Gear Fit wearable, but that’s not all appeared first on Digital Trends.
If you regularly come back from winter runs or bike rides feeling chilled by sweat and the weather, your gear could be to blame. The key to great outdoor exercise gear for winter and the vagaries of spring is the fabric and fit.
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There’s no better way to build up excitement for a device than by incorporating it into some historic moment, and that’s exactly what Samsung did with the Gear 360. Casey Neistat took Samsung’s 360 degree camera to the Oscars just a few days ago and managed to capture Leonard DiCaprio’s first ever win for his role in The Revenant, all in 360 degree video.
And, of course, it got uploaded to YouTube, which also shows off YouTube’s ability to play 360 degree videos. Watching it in a normal YouTube window is a little weird, since it basically just looks like a distorted fish-eye angle, but if you have a browser capable of watching it in surround video, it’s worth checking out.
Come comment on this article: Casey Neistat took Samsung’s Gear 360 to the Oscars
People with Samsung’s Gear S2 are being greeted with a software update that ushers in performance improvements and bug fixes.
Here’s the full changelog:
The software update, which is labeled as version R720XXU2BPA4, is 91MB.
Samsung’s Gear S2 (along with the Gear S2 Classic model) was released in October 2015 after debuting at IFA 2015. Then, at CES 2016, the company announced two new variants of the Gear S2 Classic are on the way. The Gear S2 Classic in Rose Gold and Platinum will be sold by Amazon, Best Buy, Macy’s, and other retailers starting tomorrow, February 12.
Come comment on this article: Samsung pushing 91MB update to the Gear S2
Samsung’s Gear S2 Classic has been teased in Rose Gold and Platinum for a few months now, with Samsung repeatedly showing off the premium iterations of their flagship smartwatch to build up some anticipation. The company announced that the new colors would be available in February, and they’re finally here.
If you’re interested, you can buy both models for $ 449 at tons of retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, and directly from Samsung. The 18K Rose Gold comes with an ivory band, while the Platinum comes with a black leather band. Everything else about the watch has stayed the same, including Samsung’s unique rotating bezel that controls the interface of the watch.
Anyone interested in picking one of these up?
source: Samsung
Come comment on this article: Samsung’s Gear S2 Classic is finally available in Rose Gold and Platinum
Samsung Gear VR users can start making friends in a virtual reality world now that AltspaceVR has released its app for the headset to the public. In fact, they can mix and mingle not only with other Gear VR users, but also with people who use the HTC…
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Oculus Connect 2 may not have Samsung in its name, but the company’s biggest announcements were related to Gear VR, a mobile headset for Galaxy and Note smartphones. That represents Oculus’ move to position itself as virtual reality’s shepherd.
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Samsung has partnered with Italian designer Alessandro Mendini, known for the Poltrona di Proust armchair and other wacky designs. He will be making a handful of Gear S2 accessories for the launch of the smartwatch.
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Samsung has revealed its next smartwatch, called the Gear S2, in a fashion-influenced Lookbook, where it’s pictured alongside the Galaxy Note 5 and the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus. The circular watch is expected to launch in September.
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Samsung may introduce its first round smartwatch soon. The device may sport a rotating bezel, a crown-shaped power button, and 3G connectivity. Here’s everything we think we know about it so far.
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