Fitness Made Fun | Discover 7 Exercise Gadgets & Equipment Technology Breakthroughs

There’s a fitness revolution underway. Technologically advanced exercise gadgets and equipment innovations are transforming not only how we exercise, but how we stay motivated to exercise.

The Wii Fit, at the forefront of this movement, has gained massive media attention. But there are many other new gadgets and exercise equipment advances that will keep you fired up about fitness.

Hear How You Run

Two of the most recognizable and successful brands in America, Nike and Apple have collaborated to develop a cutting edge fitness innovation.

The Nike + iPod Sport Kit monitors your running experience by transmitting data through a wireless connection between your Nike shoe and your iPod nano.

The microchip tracks speed, distance, time, and calories burned while real-time spoken feedback announces milestones throughout your workout .

The PowerSongs option integrates your favorite iTunes selections.

The kit works with the iPod nano 1G, 2G and 3G and any Nike+ shoe.

• Futuristic Factor: *****
  
• Fun Factor: ****
  
• Fitness Factor: ****
  

Virtual Reality Enhanced Cycling Systems

Although The Expresso Upright Stationary Bike is designed for commercial fitness clubs (you can’t afford it), the cool factor merits a mention.

This futuristic system engages not just the muscles but also the mind by fusing exertainment with web-based personalization.

Imagine playing a visually stunning video game, but instead of planted on the sofa with a game pad, you’re actually riding a top-of-the-line recumbent or upright stationary bike.

The handlebars move for realistic steering as you pedal and compete on an interactive course, creating the immersive illusion of being on the open road.

The web based high-res screen delivers personalized, real time fitness information. You can set goals, track progress and log data online, taking your workout places it’s never been.

• Futuristic Factor: *****
  
• Fun Factor: *****
  
• Fitness Factor: *****

Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells, Treadclimber and the Home Gym Revolution

Bowflex is one of the most popular and visible fitness brands, producing a vast array of strength and cardiovascular exercise equipment, featuring innovative, space saving technology. Owned by Nautilus Inc., who also markets equipment for Schwinn Exercise, Stairmaster and Pearl Izumi, Bowflex has grown into a commercial juggernaut with millions of new, satisfied customers each year.

This commentary will focus on two very popular Bowflex products -- the SelectTech Dumbbells and the Bowflex line of Treadclimbers.

The Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells will change your concept and use of dumbbells forever. They combine up to 17 sets of weights into one dumbbell using the patented SelectTech dial system. It’s one of the most space saving and flexible strength training systems ever created. Say goodbye to 17 different dumbbells scattered about your workout space. With an easy turn of a dial you can automatically adjust the weight on each dumbbell in 2.5 lb, 5 lb or 10 lb increments, depending on the model, enabling you to progressively increase your workout and strength.

The Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells are available in three models -- SelectTech 220, SelectTech 552 (the most widely used) and SelectTech 1090

Our second product, the Bowflex Treadclimber is available in four primary models -- TC1000, TC3000, TC5000, and TC6000. These break through cardio machines allow you to walk regularly as on a treadmill, but incorporate a natural step-like motion with the use of two platforms that raise and lower separately. When you step down with one foot, the opposing platform inclines, creating the perception of ascending a gradual hill. The Bowflex Treadclimber effectively assembles the combined benefits of both a treadmill and a stair stepper.

At the lowest end of the Bowflex Treadclimber spectrum, the TC1000 has a maximum walking speed of 3.8 mph (6.1 kph), while the top end model, the TC6000, boasts a top speed of 4.5 mph (7.2 kph). The TC3000 and TC5000 each max out at 4.0 mph (6.4 kph).

But speed is just one important facet distinguishing each Bowflex Treadclimber model. The TC1000 starts with 3 basic functions -- Speed, Distance and Time. Stepping up, no pun intended, to the TC3000 model adds Calories per Minute, Total Calories and Total Steps. The TC5000 includes two additional features -- the Climb Indicator and the Heart Rate Monitor. At the top end of the series, the TC6000 includes all of the above and adds distinctive training programs, including Cross Training, Intervals, Plateau, The Brooklyn Bridge and The Golden Gate Bridge. The Heart Rate Monitor on the TC5000 and TC 6000 incorporates a wireless chest strap and a built in display showing heart rate at a glance for maintaining optimal fat burning levels.

In addition to our featured products, Bowflex rules the home exercise equipment niche with a varied line of complete home gyms – the Bowflex Revolution, Bowflex Ultimate, Bowflex Ultimate 2, Bowflex Xtreme SE, Bowflex Xtreme SE 2 and Bowflex Blaze.

Bowflex continues to improve and pioneer health and fitness products of high performance, effectiveness and affordability. They’ve had a powerful impact on the way we perceive home cardiovascular and strength training workouts, becoming an integrated part of a healthy lifestyle for millions.

Read more at ObsessionFitness.com.