Credit: CES

It’s amazing how fitness focused CES has become over the years. Tech companies continue to infiltrate the fitness space, and in the same breath, many fitness giants are taking every possible opportunity to integrate tracking, interactivity, and other tech advancements into their product range. Since Peloton landed as the Uber of fitness, so to speak, everyone has been snapping at the brand’s heels with new approaches to the live streaming fitness at home segment. We’ve seen VR tech being explored as a training tool, new sensor technology being adapted for improved training metrics, and even completely new approaches to fitness equipment surfacing at CES rather than through conventional fitness trade shows. It’s a brave new world out there, and this innovation boom is bringing more competition into the fitness space than we’ve seen in quite some time.

As we started to look at recapping some of the more noteworthy launches from the CES 2020 fitness trends, we tried to keep a few key details in mind. Most importantly, our goal was to avoid the gimmicks, and rather focus on equipment and tech that shows legitimate potential in the fitness space. As you’ll see as we work through the list below, some of our choices come in as impressive competitors in an existing category, whereas others bring something entirely new to the market.

MYX Fitness Indoor Cycle

As noted above, everyone seems to be going after the Peloton craze these days, but MYX Fitness are so directly targeting the indoor cycling giant that a button on their homepage actually reads Meet The Un-Peloton. The formula here is obviously very familiar—a high spec indoor cycle, a 21.5″ HD touchscreen display, interactive/pre-recorded training programs tailored towards your fitness goals, and with all this, a monthly subscription to access all of these fantastic training options.

What’s Behind The Spin Bike Craze? Read Our Spin Bike 101 Here

The key difference (surprise surprise) is price; MYX Fitness is selling their bike as a complete package with floor mats, dumbbells, a wireless heart rate monitor, a foam roller, and other goodies for only $1,499, and the MYX Fitness subscription can be added for only $29. As it stands we’ve yet to take this thing apples-to-apples against the Peloton bike, or the Nordictrack S22i indoor cycleNordictrack S22i indoor cycle for that matter, nor has the majority of media out there. It’s a great concept, but as is the case with many of these tech-focused bikes, the quality vote will in part come down to how good their programming is, and how much of it is on offer.

Nurvv Run

On the other end of the spectrum, Nurvv Run brings high precision sensor technology and data capture into the consumer space for 2020. Geared towards runners that are looking to improve their overall performance, these smart insoles will capture things like stride length, cadence, footstrike (what part of your foot touches down first), pronation, and running/stride symmetry. Once you know what you’re looking at, you’ll be able to make corrections in how you run, helping to improve your run and avoid potential injuries that could arise. By linking to both your smartphone and Apple Watch (if you own one), Nurvv can give you both visual and auditory cues during your run to keep you up to date on your pacing and other goals. Simply set a target, and Nurvv will do the rest.

Now, not everyone likes running while loaded up with their personal tech, and it seems Nurvv’s founders thought of this when designing their system. There is a start/stop button built into the insoles themselves, allowing them to capture data during a run that you’ll be able to access the next time you fire up the app after you’ve returned home. The units have 5 hours of standalone battery life, so you don’t have to worry about running out of juice either. Last but not least, it’s also worth noting that Nurvv isn’t just meant for running on a flat track or a treadmill deck. Nurvv’s ‘advanced positional technology’—as they call it—is able to account for uneven surfaces too, so even outdoor trail runners can take advantage of the system’s benefits. Priced ad $299.95 and presently in preorder phase (deliveries starting in late January 2020), this isn’t an inexpensive piece of kit, but given what these insoles can do, it makes perfect sense that the price would be relatively aligned with the smartwatch/fitness tracker market.

Ergatta Rower

This interesting evolution of ‘we’re the Peloton of Category X‘ has now reached the rowing category via the startup Ergatta, even though NordicTrack already jumped on that bandwagon with their RW900 rowing machine with interactive training and 22″ touchscreen display. Where Ergatta stands out and looks to alter the dialogue is in programming style, and overall machine design. The brand realized that while most potential consumers appreciate some sort of motivation and encouragement beyond running built-in training programs, not everyone wants the traditional instructor-led training that most brand have on offer.

Rather than following that model, Ergatta takes more of a ‘video game challenge’ approach, loading their machine with hundreds of different competitive challenge-based races. You can see how you stack up on their community leaderboard, or simply compete with yourself as you progress towards your own fitness goals. It’s a neat model. and knowing how prevalent gaming is amongst adults these days we have to say this was a smart move. As an added perk, the Ergatta is also a water rower—the more popular style of rowing machine on the market these days. Though there’s something to be said for the silent operation of a magnetic resistance rower, many find the soft sloshing of a water rower to add a sense of calming comfort to their workout routine.

Manta 5 Hydrofoiler XE-1

While we’re still talking about water, here’s a unique one that we’ve been tracking for a while now. The Manta 5 Hydrofoiler XE-1 isn’t brand new for CES 2020, but rather something that’s been in prototyping and development for a good while now. It’s so odd, so different, that we initially held off on any kind of coverage until we were convinced that the self-powered water cycle was actually heading to market. As it stands, it seems the brand’s first couple of months of production are already sold out (though no official word on what their production capacity is), and Manta5 is taking orders for the Hydrofoiler XE-1 in their June 2020 production allotment as we speak.

So, what is it? Think indoor cycle meets paddleboat, meets hydrofoil technology. It’s a new adventure in both transportation and fitness, albeit one that will take users some getting used to overall. It’s a workout to operate, but thanks to its gearing it is also (apparently) a half decent means of transportation on water, so long as things aren’t too rough. Especially given its sticker price, this thing is the definition of niche; according to the Manta5 website, its introductory pricing of $7,490 will end on April 1, 2020, to be followed by a standard retail price of $8,990. That said, I can’t help but want to give it a try.

Smart Tools Smart Cuffs BFR Training

In the same way that interactive training cycling is booming in the cardio space, it’s starting to look like BFR—blood flow restriction training—is poised to become the next big thing in strength training. First sighted roughly a couple of years ago, the training technique is gaining more and more scientific backing in the last year or so, leading more companies like Smart Tools to develop equipment and programs to bring the practice into mainstream fitness and rehab.

Learn More About Other Wearable Fitness Tech Here

The basic principle involves restricting (but not entirely cutting off) blood flow to the muscle group you are training, which in turn amplifies the metabolic stress and cellular swelling of the muscle. The challenge for those looking to test out this practice is primarily setting the correct tension on the wraps used for restriction. This is where Smart Tools comes in, as their Smart Cuffs use air pressure bladders, allowing users to precisely set the pressure/restriction point of their cuffs in order to use the technique as precisely and effectively as possible.

Amazfit HomeStudio

Closing out this list, we’re faced with another Peloton-ish option with a fairly significant twist. The Amazfit HomeStudio is all about the interactive training, yes, but it also adopts the practice we’ve seen recently from products like Mirror, and the Echelon Reflect HD screen fitness mirrors that have been cropping up in the fitness space this past year. The giant display—known as their Smart Gym Hub—looks something like a cartoonishly oversized smartphone, delivering streaming fitness training of all sorts; running, recovery/stretching, yoga, strength training, presented by a host of high-level instructors.

The treadmill also appears to be a fairly high spec slat-style treadmill, capable of a 20 km/h top speed with up to 7 degrees of powered incline. As it stands no specs on the motor, warranty, or other key details are currently available. We do know that the Smart Gym Hub runs a fairly high-performance speaker system from JBL. Frankly, the company website presently feels like it’s all show with little in the way of details and specifications, however its a unique enough offering that we at the very least thought it deserved a mention here. We’ll keep you up to date as more information on the package comes available.

If you are looking to have a bit more guidance as you go about your workout session and still see the amazing results you are looking for, there’s one thing you are going to want to consider: Aaptiv Audio Fitness App.

What’s so great about this app and why should you consider it?

Let’s go over the details so you can decide if it’s right for you.

What Aaptiv Audio Fitness App Is

If you’ve ever thought that I’d be great to have a personal trainer by your side while you workout but you don’t want to pay the high prices that most trainers command these days, Aaptiv Audio Fitness App is for you.

This app is like your own personal trainer in your ears, guiding you through everything you need to do to see the results you’re looking for.

With the one-year membership, you know that you’ll be covered for many months ahead and no matter what your fitness journey brings your way, you’ll be fully prepared.

Buy a 1-Year Aaptiv Audio Fitness App Membership Now

Who Aaptiv Audio Fitness App Is Suited For

The great thing about this app is that it’s not just for beginners who need the guidance to get started. This app is actually designed to help everyone, beginner to advanced, push their fitness to the limits.

The workout programs are tailored based on your skill level, all the way from beginner to elite so as you start seeing better results, you can advance the program that you are doing.

What’s more is that these aren’t specific types of workouts only either.  You can find workouts based around running, cycling, elliptical training, yoga, and strength training. This is nice because it can be hard to be constantly looking at a monitor screen while doing a workout session, especially as you get up to working at maximum intensity levels.

With this app, you simply listen and away you go.

Other Features To Know About

As you make the decision whether to invest in the Aaptiv Audio Fitness App, it’s also a good idea to keep a few more features in mind.

First, you will have different lengths of programming. You can find simple seven minute workouts for when you need something quick while on the go all the way to full blown workout programs that you will do over a few weeks or months time. This way you can pick and choose what is right for you based on your training level and schedule availability.

You will also find different intensities of workouts available. Some are slower, moderate paced sessions while others are faster paced sessions that will help you really rev your metabolic engine and get you burning up body fat as quickly as possible.

Finally, you’ll have access to over 2500 different workouts at any given moment with new classes added every single week.

If boredom is something you’ve ever complained about as you go about your workout sessions, you can put that to rest. You will not be bored when you use this app.

Accessibility

Another really nice feature about this app is that it’s not tied into any one brand. You may have seen other apps before that come when you purchase certain types of fitness equipment, such as iFit for example. While these are great… you do need to be using that piece of equipment.

With this app, it doesn’t matter if you’re exercising at home, outdoors, or in a commercial gym, you can take your workouts with you on the go.

So there you have a brief run-down of the Aaptiv Audio Fitness App. If you are in need of some guidance with your workout program, it’s one of the best ways to achieve that – and stay motivated at the same time.

Buy a 1-Year Aaptiv Audio Fitness App Membership Now

With the New Year now underway, chances are you have at least one or two resolutions you’ve made and hope to stick with in the year ahead. Maybe you decided to procrastinate less or workout on a Treadmill or an Elliptical Trainer more.  Like many years past however, you know very well that after the first couple of weeks are underway, those resolutions often become a thing of the past.

This said, what can you do this coming year to ensure that same turn of events doesn’t take place?

Let’s take a closer look at four tips that you should be considering to help ensure that yours stand the test of time.

Get Support

First, of all the things that you could do to boost the chances your resolutions stick is to build a support system. Whether it’s friends, family, your significant other, or your co-workers, get people on your side who will cheer you own.

Having your own cheerleading squad is one of the best ways to ensure you make it through those troubling times.

Break Those Goals Down

Next, consider breaking those goals down. Sometimes it can be daunting to look at your long term goal and wonder if you’ll ever reach it. Especially if it’s months away.

Instead, break those goals down into weekly or bi-weekly goals. This way, you’ll get an instant boost to your motivation each time you reach one of those goals.

Plus, it’ll make the trip to reaching that long-term goal seem that much shorter.

Track Your Progress

They say “What gets measured, gets managed.”

It’s very useful to keep track of how you’re doing with your goals, so you can see how much progress you’ve made, and stay motivated to make more progress.

This is why we like it when fitness equipment has this built in, like the TreadClimber and Max Trainer Goal Coach feature.

If you’re using something that doesn’t track progress for you, consider getting an app or using a notebook to track how you’re doing.

Set Aside Some ‘You’ Time Each Week

As odd as it may sound, making sure you have some ‘you’ time each week – time where you can do whatever you want that will relax and energize you is critical to maintaining any sort of resolution.

The reason?

Change is very stressful. Most of us do not welcome change by any means and we tend to gravitate to doing exactly what we did before. Therefore, if you want to change successfully, you’ll need to build up your stress reserves.

If you’re already stressed out in your day to day life as it is, as soon as you add another stressor, it may be just too much. You’ll toss in the towel and call it a day.

By keeping yourself as relaxed as possible – by using that ‘you’ time, you ensure this doesn’t happen.

Focus On The Positive

Finally, always make sure that you do your best to focus on the positive. Set-backs will occur and you will not always do exactly what you had wanted. And that is okay.

Realize that effort counts more than anything. As long as you are always doing 100%, that’s all you can really ask for. Take some pressure off yourself and know that you don’t have to be perfect.

No one is perfect.

Focus on all the positive accomplishments you reap and soon you’ll be feeling just as motivated as ever to stick to that resolution.

So there you have some of the best things that you can do to ensure that you maintain this years New Year’s resolutions. Where do you currently stand?

Need a little extra motivation this morning?

How about 600 reasons why you should exercise not only because it beneficial to your own well being but also because it can benefit others. Take Skye Leech for example. The little girl recently completed on bike (she’s seven, by the way) 600+ miles of riding all in an effort to raise money for charity!

Skye, though a native of Great Britain, completed the travel distance in the United States where she and her family biked from Washington, D.C. to Pittsburgh and back again.

“We were looking for a fun family holiday that would allow us all to spend time together,” Skye’s dad, Ben Parnell stated.

Traveling an average of 25 miles a day with her mother and father, Skye rode a total of 610 miles over the course of three weeks. “I wanted to do this because it was a real adventure, and I hadn’t done anything like it before,” she added.

The family pulled all of their own gear with individual trailers and camped out each night during their journey. “Trips like this allow you to really get to know each other,” Ben remarked. “We got to find out how we can work together as a team.”

In addition to the “vacation” overseas, Skye raised more than $750 for the Ellen MacArthur Trust. The organization utilizes the sport of sailing to inspire children recovering from cancer, leukemia or other serious illnesses.

“Not everyone is as lucky as we are in terms of their health, so it’s important to help where you can,” father Ben concluded. “Ellen MacArthur is an absolute legend, so we knew we wanted to support her charity.”

Have you ever wanted to get involved with a charity? Do you have any great ideas for incorporating fitness and exercise into ways that will also benefit the community? Let us know.

Donate to Skye’s fund-raising efforts.