The top 5 gadgets to keep your fitness on track

22 Mar The top 5 gadgets to keep your fitness on track

Having an IT degree many many years ago, I have always had a love of technology. Combine that with my other love of fitness, and this truly is a match made in heaven.

There are so many gadgets and devices out there which can help you reach any fitness goal you have. Ultimately it still comes down to eating healthy and regular exercise but if a gadget can help you stay on track, then all the better.

So here are my top 5 personal and practical fitness gadgets to use.

1. Mobile devices 

Let’s face it, just about all of us (including my 80+ year old parents) have a mobile phone and with it comes an endless number of mobile fitness apps to help you create, record, and reach your fitness goals. Whether you are trying to lose weight, walk more steps each day, or push yourself through a brutal morning workout, there is an app out there to help you.

2. Portable speakers or mobile phones for music

We have come a long way from the old walkman but the concept remains the same. Whenever you are working out, don’t forget your mobile phone (or iPod if you still have one), and earplugs, have a great playlist of songs, press play and go.

What I love so much about teaching group fitness classes is the music – there is nothing better than listening to a powerful and inspiring song to motivate you to work just that little but harder. Never underestimate the power of music.

When I am training an outdoor group, I bring my portable speaker, hook it up with my iPhone and blast some music. It helps to take away from the pain of working out and keeps you focused on your training.

3. Fitness trackers

Wearable technology is one of the hottest trends at the moment and I don’t see this slowing down anytime soon. Keeping an eye on your heart rate is one of the best ways to know if you are burning fat or building endurance. Fitness trackers also gather information on sleeping patterns, eating habits, and training sessions to help you make decisions on what to eat, what exercise to do and at what intensity.

4. Body Scales

Normally I would not recommend relying on scales too much (go by the feel of your clothes as that is a much better indicator that you are losing weight) but body composition scales can be handy not just to measure your weight but also your body fat. Whether you are looking to reduce or monitor your body fat percentage, body fat scales can be a handy tool to use (just a word of warning, they are not super accurate. If you want a more spot on measurement, go for a DEXA scan instead).

5. Your own body

Hang on, this blog is about gadgets. Yes true but your body is the most amazing more complicated “gadget” you will ever own in your life. And it never lies (even though you may). Fitness gadgets are often not 100% accurate and when it comes down to it, you have to do the hard yards. So always listen to your body – if you are breathing heavy, sweating, find it hard to talk, feel your heart racing, they are all signs you are working hard and will reach your fitness goals one step at a time.