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A workout routine can go stale when nothing about it ever changes. Technology has plenty of fresh ideas for fixing that, from smartwatches and heart rate straps to machines you can set up at home.
The nine gadgets below cover running, strength training, rowing, navigation, heart rate and hydration. Some of them track your body, some guide your route, and some bring the gym home.
Here is a closer look at what each one offers.
Garmin Forerunner 265: Race Prep From a Smartwatch
If a 10K or a marathon is on your schedule, the Garmin Forerunner 265 running smartwatch is built to help you prepare. Its 1.3″ AMOLED display is vivid, so the screen is effortless to read.
Each morning, a report gives you an overview of your health, your training and your schedule. The Race Widget adds training tips, finish-time predictions and personalized daily workouts.
Together, those features help you train with a plan instead of guesswork.
WeGym Rally X3 Pro: Resistance Bands With a Free App
Resistance is adjustable on the WeGym Rally X3 Pro smart resistance bands, so you can match each workout to your own fitness level. The range runs from 10 to 110 lbs.
A free training app goes with the bands. It gives you access to a training course and shows real-time statistics while you work.
Peloton Row: A Rowing Machine Focused on Technique
The Peloton Row smart rowing machine is designed for ultra-efficient workouts. The Peloton All-Access membership comes with it.
Metrics focused on your form continue to help you refine your technique as you row. It is one of our favorite gadgets on this list.
WearWorks WAYBAND: Directions You Feel Instead of Read
The WearWorks WAYBAND haptic smart band works with a map app and guides you through haptic vibrations. It is meant for finding your way while you run, bike and more.
The guidance is discreet and personal. You do not need to glance at your phone or put on headphones.
Garmin HRM-Pro Plus: A Heart Rate Strap With Running Data
The Garmin HRM-Pro Plus heart rate strap monitors your heart rate in real time during exercise. Those readings help you improve your form.
It also tracks pace, distance, cadence, stride length and more. Runners who want to learn about their running dynamics will find plenty to explore.
We rank it among the best gadgets here.
HAKII MIX: Headband Headphones That Keep Your Ears Open
The HAKII MIX open-ear headband-style headphones change how workout audio feels. Their open-ear design keeps you aware of your surroundings.
That makes them a great fit for outdoor workouts and runs. The ergonomic shape is also very comfortable.
Halytus HooKee: A Portable Gym for Home Workouts
The Halytus HooKee smart portable gym offers a fresh approach to gym-level training at home. It features 100 pounds of resistance.
The workouts are unlimited and work the full body. They suit fitness enthusiasts of all levels.
ZeroWheel: Motorized Training for Every Major Muscle Group
The ZeroWheel smart fitness device runs on next-gen motorized technology. That is the reason we count it among the best gadgets here.
It has multiple modes and lets you target all major muscle groups. The goal is a workout that feels more fun and more effective.
Nix Hydration Biosensor: Know When and What to Drink
The Nix Hydration Biosensor is a lightweight hydration monitor. It uses new technology to work out your personal hydration data.
It quantifies when, what and how much you should drink. That helps you optimize your athletic performance, safety and health.
All nine gadgets bring something fresh to a workout, whether that is new insight, extra convenience or more flexibility. They range from haptic navigation aids to smart portable gyms.
Which one would you add to your routine first? Let us know.
Liam Henderson
Turning an obsession with deep research into guides that actually make sense is what keeps me up at night. I focus on stripping away the online noise so you get clear, actionable insights you can actually use, without having to dig through pages of fluff.