Let’s Get Physical – Gadgets That Are Good For Workouts

Summer is here, and if you are finding it hard to get some motivation together to stay fit, or get in shape for summer, we have reviewed a handful of Gadgets to assist that transition. Workout routines can become monotonous, however with the right Gadget, it can turn that workout into a fun, motivating and accountable exercise.

Planning and Research is critical when buying a workout Gadget, because just that it looks cool, or says that it is going to transform your workout, can become an expensive exercise (pardon the pun). When making a purchase, talk to your friends, research on the Internet, and see what others are saying about the particular purchase in mind, and how they rate against other comparable products in the market.
Other important factors to take into consideration include Compatibility and Portability. Before you make a purchase, ensure that your new Gadget is compatible with any existing technology that you may have at home including Computers and Smart Phones. Many of the latest gadgets enable you to take advantage of additional features like tracking your exercise via software that requires a connection to the internet or using GPS, and it is important that you are not paying for features that you will not be able to use, or that will not work as designed without the required compatibility.
It is also important to ensure that the Gadget is not going to detract from your workout if you are constantly having to adjust it, becoming a hindrance, rather than adding to the success of your workout.

RunKeeper:
Smart Phones are a great invention, and with RunKeeper you can transform your iPhone / Android or Windows 7 phone into a powerful fitness tracking device. RunKeeper is now a free app, is simple to use, and is great for Running, Walking, Hiking, Cycling, Skiing or Rollerblading. Simply load the app, register, and select your exercise. RunKeeper has a clean user interface, with integrated health graph that will track diet, sleep, weight and activity. Free – www.runkeeper.com

WiFi Body Scales:
The wifi body scale uses Wi-Fi to automatically transmit your weight to your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. It also graphs your weight, lean/fat muscle mass and BMI so you can access it from your iOS device at any time. With its extra slim glass and steel design, the wifi body scale is jam-packed with technology yet remains simple to use. It can automatically record all your weight and impedance measurements wirelessly to your device, or is compatible with other apps such as RunKeeper. $249.00 – www.wifiscale.com.au

Nike + SportsBand:
If running is your thing, and you don’t like the distraction of headphones and music whilst running, Check out the Nike + SportsBand. Keep track of every run and compare your personal best using the Nike+ Website. Set fitness goals or improve your running using the integrated programs. Also great for Treadmills and Gym Workouts. Water resistant band, and integrated USB to connect and upload via your Laptop / PC. – $89.95 Nike+ www.nikestore.com.au/

Apple iPod Nano:
If you are a music addict, and cannot leave home without your headphones, try the updated Apple iPod Nano. In my opinion, music makes any exercise better, especially when it’s a song that gets you motivated to get moving. With a built in accelerometer you receive real-time feedback on your workout, and your workout is upload to the Nike+ website. Track your steps, distance, pace and time. In addition, the updated iPod Nano has cute multi-touch screen, comes in 8GB or 16GB capacity, holds hundreds of songs, durable, lightweight, and has a great clip feature for attaching the unit to your t-shirt or shorts. Apple – $149

From the makers of Opena, the Quad Lock is a revolutionary new case based mounting solution for your iPhone4 allowing use of your iPhone in more places than ever before. The Quad Lock Case uses a fixed based mounting systems, so once you have secured your base mount, simply attach the secure protective case on your Bike, Dashboard, Wall with a twist. The locking mechanism will allow you to lock your Quad Case in either portrait or landscape position to suit the application.

The Quad Lock Case Project is head up by Australian entrepreneurs Rob Ward and Chris Peters, and is self funded to date, however the team are looking for further support via KickStarter site, where people can back the project, and ensure the concept gets off the ground.Currently $9,282 has been pledged of the required $20,000 goal required by Jan 15th 2012.

The Quad Lock Case comes in two models, the Quad Lock ST Mount best for static areas being walls in your office or kitchen, car or plane dashboard which ever method of commute you prefer.

The Quad Lock Pro Mount has been designed with the cyclist in mind, with an added secure spring locking collar to secure the Quad Case to the base, secured with a dual action lock. To unlock this, simply pull down on the collar, and twist the case to release. Once on your bike, this can be used alongside associated apps like the built-in Maps or your preferred GPS based Cycle Apps, Garmin Fit, MapMyRide, CycleMeter & more.

If you’re like us you use your iPhone as a SatNav while driving, a trip computer while cycling, a list while shopping, a score card while golfing, an alarm clock while sleeping, a recipe while cooking, a GPS while boating, a calendar while at the office and we even sometimes make a phone call.

 

via (Gizmodo) & (Quad Lock Case)