As CNET’s resident fitness expert, I’ve tested a lot of fitness tech for the past four years. Some I’ve been impressed by and some I’ve been lukewarm about, while others I think aren’t necessary for the average person or could use improvement. Depending on what you’re looking for, fitness tech can make working out more enjoyable, motivational, challenging and even relaxing. I’ve tested smart home gyms and wearables, compression gear and weighted vests.
These are some of my favorite fitness tech options that I’ve tested throughout the years. They can make good treat ‘yo self gifts or would be great as a holiday or birthday gift for the fitness enthusiast in your life.
1. Hyperice Normatec Go Boots
The Hyperice Normatec Go compression boots are ideal if you want to recover on the go after a tough workout. These are TSA-friendly so you can travel with them in a carry-on bag or in your gym bag. As a petite woman, the standard Normatec legs tend to be too big on me so I like that these compression boots are short enough to target the calves. I’ve found it helpful to use them after a run and tough leg day. These are also easily rechargeable and have a 3-hour battery life.
2. Apple Watch Series 11
The Apple Watch Series 11 is the newest Apple Watch to hit the market and it has some unique upgrades.
Although I haven’t had a chance yet to test the Apple Watch Series 11, I am familiar with the brand and am a loyal Apple Watch owner. The latest version of the Apple Watch has upgraded features like FDA-cleared hypertension alerts, a longer battery life, sleep score and a more scratch-resistant screen. CNET Lead Writer Vanessa Hand Orellana reviewed the smartwatch and said the Series 11 felt like picking up where she left off from the last Apple Watch iteration. Although the Apple Watch already tracked sleep, this is the first time you’ll get quantifiable data that follows clinical guidance to grade your quality of sleep based on sleep duration, bedtime and interruptions.
The stand-out health feature on the Series 11 is the new FDA-cleared hypertension notifications. It tracks your blood pressure and alerts you to potential irregularities. You should double-check this data with a proper blood pressure monitor and your doctor, because the Apple Watch reading isn’t meant to be used as a diagnostic tool.
Another important aspect to highlight is the longer battery life, which helps you enjoy your phone’s features for multiple days before needing to recharge it. This is a great option if you’re looking to upgrade an older Apple Watch model or are new to smartwatches.
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3. Theragun Mini 2
The Theragun Mini 2 fits in a purse, backpack or carry on for easy transportation.
The Theragun Mini 2 is tiny yet powerful, and it is a favorite of mine if you want a compact massage gun that packs a mighty punch. Massage guns are helpful to have on hand when you have sore muscles. However, most are on the larger side, so a smaller option is always a good idea.
The Theragun Mini 2 comes with three massage heads (standard ball, dampener and thumb attachments) and a soft carrying case. It’s TSA-friendly and small enough to fit in your purse or backpack. Other factors that make it appealing are that it has three settings and even at its lowest setting, it’s still a powerful device. You can’t go wrong with a Theragun Mini, whether you’re looking for one for yourself or as a gift for a friend or family member.
4. Theragun Pro (5th gen)
The Theragun PRO fifth generation is the massage gun serious athletes will appreciate.
On the other hand, if you want a standard-size massage gun, the Therabody Pro 5th generation will quickly become your favorite gadget. The Theragun Pro is designed with serious athletes in mind, with various customizable and preset programs, plus a long-lasting battery life. This heavy-duty massage gun comes with six attachments (standard ball, thumb, micro-point, super soft, dampener and wedge), so you’ll get the right angle each time.
Most massage guns are designed to be recharged on their own, but this one comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery instead. If you love to work out hard and take recovery seriously, this massage gun is the best gift you can buy yourself.
5. Oura Ring 4
The Oura Ring 4 has a titanium exterior and interior, unlike the Gen 3.
I like a good smart ring, but as I learned, not all of them are built the same. I tested a few smart rings at one point and the one that stood out the most to me was the Oura Ring. The Oura Ring 4 is a smart ring that tracks your overall health in a holistic manner by gathering your stress levels, heart rate, cycle insights if you menstruate and your sleep. This ring is best known for its ability to track your sleep habits and provide insight to help you improve them based on that data.
It takes about a month to get the most accurate results, and from there, Oura gives you a readiness score, which tells you how recovered you are, based on sleep and stress levels, to take on the day. Although it isn’t necessary to own a smart wearable, it’s sometimes helpful to know details about your day-to-day habits that you may be unaware of or how they may be affecting you. For example, as a mom to a toddler, I don’t always get restful sleep, and the Oura Ring was able to detect that and support me as I adjusted my sleep schedule based on its recommendations. If you’re under more stress than normal or feeling under the weather, the Oura Ring can detect that as well.
6. Tonal 2
The Tonal 2 replaces all your strength training equipment with this one device.
If you’re serious about strength training and have the budget and space in your home, you’ll love owning the Tonal 2. The Tonal 2 is a smart home gym that uses up to 250 pounds of resistance and is designed to replace dumbbells, barbells and other strength training equipment. It resembles a cable machine with a screen in the middle and adjustable arms on each side.
Tonal 2 uses AI through 13 sensors to track your form and technique, which helps you correct it. Accessories like the smart handles and bar accessories (an optional, additional $495) have a gyroscope motion sensor that also keeps track of your reps. I’ve tested both the Tonal 2 and its predecessor, The Tonal, and was impressed by the thought process that went into designing this machine. It offers strength training as well as some cardio with its new Aero feature, keeps track of your workouts, functions like a personal trainer because it can determine if you need to scale it back or challenge yourself and also offers thousands of on-demand and live workouts for all fitness levels. The price tag is hefty at $4,295 but if you’re dedicated to strength training and want everything you need at your fingertips, this is the machine for you.
7. Peloton Bike
The Peloton is still the No. 1 exercise bike thanks to its motivating community and classes.
It’s almost hard not to include the Peloton Bike in a fitness tech list. The smart bike that took the fitness world by storm during the COVID-19 pandemic is popular for good reason. I’ve tested many exercise bikes — including Peloton alternatives — and the Peloton is still the best option.
Peloton delivers and assembles the bike in your home and sets up your account, so you don’t have to do much but hop on the bike and ride. You can connect with other Peloton members and have friendly competition on the leaderboard. The instructors are high-energy and each offers something different and motivational to their classes. I’m personally partial to Alex Toussaint and Robin Arzon because every time I take their classes, I’m always inspired to push myself more. Not to mention, Peloton is always revitalizing its workout program offerings (like with kettlebell classes) and challenges, so you won’t ever get bored.
8. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 offer excellent audio and noise-cancelling features, so you can enjoy music while doing various activities.
I take listening to my music seriously during my workouts. The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are by far some of my favorite earbuds to wear when breaking a sweat. The battery life is impressive and, in my experience, can last for weeks at a time before needing to be recharged. This can vary as it also depends on how often you use them.
The noise-cancelling aspect of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is impressive, so your music will always feel immersive whether you’re at the beginning, middle or end of your workout. I’ve also been able to receive phone calls while wearing them, and never had connection issues. I’ve used these earbuds during strength training sessions, outdoor and indoor runs and my daily walks. If you’re looking for a pair of earbuds that stay put (thanks to the ear hook design), have crisp audio and are stylish, these are my top pick.
9. Future app
The Future app connects you with a personal trainer right in your home.
As a fitness writer, I’ve reviewed a bunch of fitness apps but one that I particularly enjoyed is the Future app. It’s the ideal app if you’re looking for a virtual personal trainer who can create a workout program for you based on your fitness level and whether you work out from home or the gym.
The app costs $200 a month but if you’re a new member, you pay $100 for the first month with the current deal. When you sign up, you fill out an assessment intake form, which basically asks you what your goals are, your workout history, how often you’d like to work out, and what motivates you. Based on your responses, the form offers a selection of trainers to choose from.
I used the Future app for more than a year and loved how well-thought-out and seamless this app is. I was paired with a trainer whom I enjoyed checking in with daily through the app chat portal. This app got me through my pregnancy and postpartum period, so I could resume exercising safely. The workouts for the week are shared at the top of the week, and if you need any modifications or if you plan on taking a vacation, the trainer can modify your schedule as needed. The workouts are easy to follow, and the exercises are accompanied by video demonstrations in case you need them for reference. If you want a personal trainer at your fingertips, this is the app to download on your phone.
