There’s no denying that the past few months have been worrying and frustrating for everyone. Thousands of people have been reported dead from COVID-19 and the numbers are increasing at an alarming rate.
This has prompted governments to issue total or partial lockdown as a measure to minimize the spread of the virus. But how does staying indoors and minimizing movement affect our health and overall well-being?
We all know that a sedentary lifestyle is bad for our health. Therefore, staying active even during this time of limited movement is important. Exercising helps you to keep the right posture, lower your cholesterol levels and blood pressure, which in turn reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke among other diseases.
It also raises body temperature, increase white blood cell circulation, and flushes bacteria from the body, all of which help the body to fight infection. In addition to physical health benefits, exercising can help deal with skin texture improvement, psychological issues associated with being cooped up in the house all day. It releases feel-good hormones and lowers the level of stress hormones, leaving you feeling happier and more relaxed.
Many of us are used to exercising in the gym or going for a run in the local park, so being forced to stay indoors may pose a challenge for remaining active. Luckily, technology has made life easier in many spheres, exercise included. There are many home gadgets that you can use to stay in shape and track your fitness during this lockdown.
These gadgets have, in fact, never been more popular as the COVID-19 pandemic triggers a seismic wave of health awareness. Having accurate and immediate feedback about your health signals either from fitness Apps that including body temperature and heart rate, can help restore your sense of control.
With that being said, here are the best gadgets to help you get fit and healthy as you help in the efforts to contain coronavirus:
1. Takeya Vacuum-Insulated Stainless-Steel Water Bottle
A big part of being fit and healthy is staying hydrated. There are thousands of water bottles out there that you can use to store your fluids, but this stainless-steel water bottle from Takeya takes the crown on so many levels.
First off, it has double-wall insulation that keeps your liquids in their original state –cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours. The vacuum insulation also guarantees that the bottle won’t sweat.
Another amazing feature is the combination of wide mouth for easy refill and a very cool spout lid that allows the drink to flow smoothly into your mouth without pouring out profusely. This will come in handy when you’re drinking water during an intensive workout, allowing you to control how much you drink
It has a premium and robust stainless steel construction that can last for years, is 100% recyclable, and eliminates the transfer of tainting taste to your water. The material is also BPA-free.
Millions of plastic bottles are tossed into our environment every day and they take centuries to decompose. Switching to stainless steel water bottles will not only save you money in the long run but is also best for the planet.
BPA-free
Pros
Easy to clean
Durable
100% recyclable
Leak-proof and sweat-free
Available in multiple sizes
Available in multiple colors
Ideal for storing a variety of beverages
Cons
Too wide to fit in standard cup holders
Some users say that it doesn’t keep drinks ice-cold for the advertised 24 hours
BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical that is added to many commercial products, including food containers and hygiene products. BPA is also used to make epoxy resins, which are spread on the inner lining of canned food containers to keep the metal from corroding and breaking.
2. Magnetic Elliptical Trainer Machine
Whether it’s for health reasons or you simply want to get that bikini body in time for summer when the coronavirus will hopefully be under control, you need to start exercising right now. What is the best fitness equipment for home use? Elliptical machines or trainers are the answer.
You see these devices everywhere, in the gym and even at your neighbor’s house, but have you ever thought of getting one for yourself? Well, look no further than Sunny’s magnetic elliptical trainer machine.
It comes with 24 unique workout modes, including pre-programmed, manual, heart rate, watt, body fat, and user manuals to help you reach your health and fitness goals. Measuring your heart rate during exercise is an important tool for working out effectively and efficiently. This device features heart rate handgrips that provide heart rate readings on the digital monitor.
The monitor also keeps track of your speed, distance, rotations per minute, time, watt generations, magnetic resistance level, and calories burned so you can understand your health and fitness level. It offers 16 levels of magnetic resistance with each level pushing you to strive harder and achieve your goals.
The full-motion handlebars allow you to engage your upper body muscles and maintain balance while the 14-inch stride provides greater stimulation of muscles in the lower body.
Pros
Easy to store and transport
Easy to operate and quiet
Stable during challenging workouts
Allows you to pack a cardio workout in the comfort of your home
Cons
Some had problems with unfitting parts
Some users didn’t find it sturdy enough as advertised
3. Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity Sleep Wristband, Black, Small/Large
Everyday fitness tracking has always been done superbly on the Fitbit Flex. This wrist fitness tracker is the perfect day and night companion as it helps you achieve your fitness goals by tracking your steps, distance, active minutes, stationary time, and calories burned. It also shows you how you’re measuring up against your daily goals.
The LEDs light up as you near your daily goal, giving you the motivation you need to get more active. The device also keeps track of how long and well you sleep at night so you learn how to sleep better. There’s no denying how important quality sleep is to our physical and mental health.
Another amazing feature is the app, which you can download on your iPhone or Android. This gadget syncs data automatically and wirelessly to your smartphone, tablet, or computer so you can set goals and track your progress throughout the day.
You can connect with other users via the app to share results, share some encouragement, compete with each other, and generally make fitness fun. A word of caution: don’t use this device if you have a pacemaker or other implanted medical device.
Pros
5 built-in LED indicator lights
Water, sweat, and rain-resistant design
No more terrifying alarm clock noises
Slim, comfortable, and easy to wear
Cons
Has no watch face
The bands get discolored after time, depending on the activities you do when wearing the device
4. Wahoo Fitness Heart Rate Monitor
A heart rate monitor measures your exertion level. Such data can be useful for getting into the right zone during workouts and for tracking fitness improvements. This heart rate strap by Wahoo Fitness monitors your heart rate, including time spent in each heart rate zone, your average heart rate, and max heart rate.
It also tracks the number of calories burned in real-time during a workout. The device records accurate and reliable data on your smartphone via Bluetooth. Unlike other heart rate monitors that still use the traditional five-zone approach to heart rate training, Wahoo Fitness’s physiologists have reduced it to two key zones: burn and burst.
The former is the heart rate at which your body uses fat as the major fuel source while the latter heart rate is to be maintained for shorter periods to help improve speed and performance. Both zones have beginner, intermediate, and advanced training plans to fit every user’s fitness level.
The device is compatible with several cycling, running, and fitness apps, including MapMyRun, Runtastic, Cyclemeter, Runmeter, Strava, RunKeeper, Endomondo, as well as Wahoo Fitness itself. The soft, elastic, and chaff-free strap fabric makes it comfortable to wear.
Pros
The strap can be hand-washed
Works with other fitness apps
Customizable to your individual skill and fitness level
Cons
Not supported for all Android use
Some users found the strap too small
5. Withings/Nokia Body Cardio
Making exercise part of your everyday life is not easy, especially during this lockdown period when you’re either too bored or too anxious to engage in any physical activity. You need a gadget that can empower you to make changes that will improve your health. So, what is the best fitness tracker to buy? The answer to all your fitness tracking needs is the Withings Body Cardio.
This device has a lot of smart features; step on it barefoot and it will analyze your body composition, weight, and heart rate. It will tell you how much of your body is water, fat, bone, and muscle. It also features a pregnancy tracker to show you a healthy weight gain range and a baby mode, which makes it easier to follow your baby’s weight. In short, the device keeps track of the entire family’s growth and it’s clever enough to tell users apart.
As if that wasn’t enough, it will even tell you today’s weather to help you plan your day. All the data collected is automatically saved to a smartphone app. You can use the data to build an image of your health in the coming months, so you know the kind of exercises that would be helpful.
A word of caution though, this device puts an imperceptible electrical charge through your body, which means it should not be used by someone with a pacemaker.
Pros
Multifunctional
Multi-user friendly, up to 8 users
Strongly built for durability
Has an automatic Wi-Fi or Bluetooth sync
Highly compatible with many health and fitness apps
Cons
Others found it quite slow at taking readings
Pairing with Bluetooth and adding users can be a bit of a hassle
6. Withings Sleep Tracking Pad
Quality sleep is an important part of being healthy. This gadget can provide you with information relating to your sleep patterns, including how much light, deep, and REM sleep you get.
It tracks your sleep schedule, duration, depth, interruptions, and breathing disturbances, and combines all this information to give you an overall sleep score. In addition to monitoring the quality and quantity of your sleep, it also analyzes your heart rate and detects snoring.
All the data is automatically sent to the Withings smartphone app called Health Mate via Wi-Fi. The in-app coaching program offers guidance on how to have a better sleeping regime by reminding you to do things like drinking a cup of tea before bedtime. It also features IFTTT integration so you can control things like temperature, light, and music to enhance your sleeping environment.
Unlike other sleep tracking gadgets, Withings sleep tracking pad doesn’t require users to turn on, set, or wear. Once you have placed it under the mattress, you just lie down and it starts monitoring automatically. This is a huge plus for those who are forgetful.
Pros
Unobtrusive
Automatic tracking
Can link to several smart home gadgets
Easy to set-up and use
Enhances your sleeping environment
Cons
Suitable for just one user
Fairly expensive
7. Somnox Sleep Robot-Compatible with iOS and Android, Equipped with Bluetooth Connectivity.
Are you looking for a home device to help enhance the quality of your sleep? Somnox Sleep Robot can help with that in so many ways. Breathing regulation is one of its key features as it simulates appropriate breathing rhythms.
By holding it against you, your breathing rhythm will gradually slow down to mimic the robot’s rhythm. Subsequently, this causes your body to relax while lowering your blood pressure and heart rate for optimal hibernation and quality sleep.
The sleep robot is also equipped with some relaxing sounds, white noise, meditation music tracks, and lullabies to provide relaxation, reduce stress, and help you fall asleep much faster. This device’s soft natural fabric material and ergonomic shape provide users with unmatched comfort.
It is also designed so you can cradle it, which offers a calming effect that gives you a sense of relaxation and safety. Additionally, the device can act as an external point for you to focus your thoughts on and clear your head of negative thoughts and be stress-free.
The app allows you to set your personal preferences, with regard to breathing rhythms, audio playlists, soothing sounds, and the likes, ensuring you get a tailored approach towards a good night’s sleep. Be sure to use the sleep toolkit that’s included in the package, to set sleep goals and upgrade your sleep routine to a new and better level.
Pros
Customizable
Compatible with both Androids and iOS phones
Allows you to sleep faster, longer, and better
Multifunctional for overall quality of life
Con
Expensive
8. Self-Cleaning Water Bottle and Water Purification System
Typical reusable water bottles are often shaped in a way that’s difficult to clean. They don’t fit your hand, let alone a standard kitchen scrubber. Perhaps you could buy a special bottle brush or better yet, get a self-cleaning water bottle like this one by LARQ.
It utilizes UV-C light to zap waterborne microbes, including bacteria, protozoa, and viruses, by destroying their DNA. This technology sterilizes both the water and interior of the bottle.
The LARQ bottle comes with two purification modes. The normal mode, which you get by pressing the cap once, purifies water in 60 seconds. The adventure mode, which is achieved by double-pressing the cap, offers 3x more purification level in 3 minutes.
That being said, the device also comes to life every 2 hours for 10 seconds to keep your water and bottle fresh and stink-free. The bottle also features double-wall insulation to keep your water hot for 12 hours and cold for up to 24 hours. Enjoy pure and clean water with the LARQ bottle and stay hydrated all day and through your workouts.
Pros
It’s sleek and aesthetically appealing
Stainless steel construction for durability
Long-lasting battery with up to 2 months of use on normal mode
Cons
Heavy
Doesn’t hold a large volume of liquid
9. Apple Watch Series 3
Apple Watch series is one of the latest tech gadgets for home fitness, allowing you to track your daily physical activity and encourage you to meet your fitness goals. Thanks to its rich fitness capabilities, stunning design, and ultimate usability, Apple Watch Series 3 has become one of the best fitness wearable available in the market today.
Apple has created a three-ring design that focuses on move, exercise, and stand targets. You’ll receive prompts throughout the day to ensure you’re conscious of your activity and keep you motivated to close the rings.
For starters, the inner ring ensures you stand at least once an hour. The middle ring completes when you do at least 30 minutes of brisk exercise. The outer ring requires you to burn a number of active calories daily.
The device also captures your heart rate –a feature that’s more advanced than ever. In addition to counting your beats per minute, it also records your daily resting heart rate, pulse while walking, and your workout ranges, all to give you a chart that shows whether you’re improving or not.
Pros
Waterproof
It has a sleek design
Comes with interchangeable bands
Comes with a built-in LTE connectivity option
Multifunctional: makes and receives calls, receives text messages, and tracks fitness
Cons
Expensive
LTE drains battery rapidly
10. Core & Abdominal Trainers – Whole Body Workout Equipment
Whether you want to sculpt your belly, lose the flab, or tone your muscles, there are many ways to get it done at home during this quarantine period. From doing regular pushups, sit-ups, and crunches to lying on a balance ball, these exercises can help strengthen your posture and tone your back and core muscles.
However, if you want better and faster results, you need to invest in this abdominal trainer. It’s designed to work your entire body as it allows you to do sit-up exercises or assisted push-ups while working your core muscles to achieve a toned, slim stomach.
You can also target and tone your inner thighs. In short, this is whole-body workout equipment that lets you exercise different parts of your body, build muscles, burn calories, and ultimately achieve a good body shape.
This device features a power-assisted spring system to assist you in both directions with flexible resistance and support. It also has 4 adjustable levels and an adjustable backrest so you can reach the most comfortable position while maximizing your workout efficiency.
Users are assured of durability and stability thanks to the machine’s heavy-duty steel frame. The LCD monitors and shows time, moves per minute, distance, calories and burned so you can easily track your workout results.
Pros
Sturdy and durable
Highly adjustable
Multifunctional LCD
Easy to assemble and fold up
Offers multiple exercise modes for a full-body workout
Cons
Some users found it a little unstable
A bit hard to maneuver
11. Physiotherapeutic Acupuncture Magnetic Relief Pain Tool Electric Massagers
We live in a fast-paced world where most of us are used to running up and down 365 days a year. But with the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown, you probably have a lot of free time on your hand that you’re wondering what to do when you are bored at home. I don’t know about you but I’ve been catching up on all my favorite TV shows.
Whatever you do, whether it’s playing games online, watching movies, or you’re a social media addict, you need to care for your neck. Even the slightest kind of pain on your cervical vertebrae can easily cause major problems like memory loss, neurasthenia, and the likes. This device has a built-in magnetic effect that can massage your acupoint.
This will, in turn, balance your nervous system, relieve muscle stiffness, improve oxygen supply, and relieve shoulder and neck pain among other things. It comes with 5 electric pulse massage modes that combine the traditional Chinese medicine massage manipulations like jade rollers to help reduce inflammation, swelling, pain, and fatigue on your back, neck and shoulders.
Pros
Easy to use
Relieves pain
Comfortable to wear thanks to the ergonomic U-design
12. Rapid Release TherapyTM-Deep Tissue Muscle Massager-Handheld Massager for Shoulder, Neck, and Back Pain Relief
You’ve probably heard the saying ‘no pain no gain’, especially with regard to exercising. While muscle soreness and a bit of pain are normal after a strenuous exercise or on your first day of working out, it should go away relatively quickly. You shouldn’t ignore the pain that persists or impedes your ability to perform daily activities.
That being said, you can invest in this handheld deep tissue muscle massager and use it to quickly release tension, pain, and stiffness after a workout. This will help relax your muscles and relieve neck, shoulder, and back aches and pains.
The device combines high speed and a short-stroke to deliver a significant amount of energy on targeted areas. It also has five built-in treatment heads to suit different body parts and ensure safe and effective treatments. With an industrial-strength design that can allow for heavy-duty professional use, this home gadget guarantees long life.
Pros
FDA registered
Offers a smooth operation
Increased performance than self-massage
13. WuBeFine-Professional Deep Tissue Massager Gun with 6 Massage Adapters & 30 Variable Speeds.
If you have worked out properly, chances are you’re going to feel hurt. This easy-to-use self-massage tool by WuBeFine can help ease the aching in your bones after a workout. It works on virtually any muscle in your body; you can push it right into the area that’s feeling sore or giving you a cramp and it provides instant muscle relief. This professional deep tissue massage gun sends pulses of pressure that penetrate deep into your muscle tissues to help relieve pain, soreness, and muscle aches. It will also:
Reduce your risk of exercise injuries
Ease soft tissue pain
Soften stiff muscles
Improve muscle growth
Speed up muscle recovery
Improve blood circulation
Provide gentle muscle stretch
Improve muscle responsiveness, etc
The device comes with 6 different massage heads to provide targeted treatment that suits every muscle group. It also features 30 different speed levels to ensure a relaxing and effective massage experience without bone damage. The LCD touch display allows you to view data clearly.
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In addition to providing instant pain relief, this massage gun can also help you reach a healthier life overall. With all the functions that it can complete, the device helps to reduce overall stress and anxiety, which is something we all need during these uncertain times.
Pros
Handheld device
Super quiet operation
Long-lasting battery
6 attachment heads and 3-speed levels for customizing your massage
Con
Some users find it to be cheap quality
14. Weighted Jump Rope Set
Skipping rope is one of the most effective ways to stay in shape. But this is no regular rope; Crossrope has reinvented a high-tech skipping rope with built-in technology that will challenge and encourage you to achieve your fitness and weight loss goals.
Each set comes with slim handles for a comfortable and ergonomic grip, a light rope for high-intensity cardio, and a heavy rope for more challenging fat-burning workouts. The fast-clip system makes it easy to switch between light and heavy ropes, offering more fun and versatility during your workout sessions. You can train your entire body or specifically build the arms, back, and shoulders that you’ve always wanted.
Predictably, it’s a smart gadget that connects wirelessly to a free app that can track workout time, calories burned, and interval training. You don’t have to count your jumps because the app does it for you.
If you’re looking for the best fitness guide for home fitness, look no further than their free workout app. It gives you access to hundreds of fun workouts, fitness challenges, and tutorials straight on your phone. In short, it’s your portable gym.
We all know that engaging in a regular workout routine is not easy. The good news is Crossrope has an online community with over 80,000 jumpers who can keep you motivated, inspired, and accountable to your fitness goals.
Pros
Build for all fitness levels
Offers a fun, yet effective workout experience
An online community that provides moral support
Endless versatility to help you target different muscle groups
Premium quality and superior design for long-lasting durability
Cons
The PVC coating may crack with time
One of the most expensive jump ropes on the market
15. PEAR Mobile Training Intelligence System
This is a one-stop personal coaching system as it includes everything you need to start exercising. It comes with stride earphones and a heart rate monitor, both of which can be paired with PEAR’s sports straining app. It monitors your heart rate, zone training, distance, time, and calories, and automatically transfers the data to your app.
By capturing this data in real-time, your coach will be able to determine your fitness level and know when to push you harder or take it easy. The app offers personalized coaching programs and workouts based on your heart rate and preferred activity.
Simply choose your coach and preferred activity, pump up your music, and get started. Whether you are trying to stay in shape, lose weight, or are simply looking for what to do when you are bored at home, PEAR has something for everyone.
Pros
Gives you workout updates in real-time
Useful for beginners and advanced athletes alike
Interactive audio workouts from professional athletes and trainers
Has multiple training programs including weights, running, yoga, and more
Cons
Doesn’t count steps
Earphones aren’t Bluetooth
You’ll have to pay for more advanced exercises
Conclusion
Despite being stuck at home, there sure are many ways to stay active and continue your workout routine as evidenced by all these home gadgets. Some of these devices are very costly while others are affordable. Go for something that fits your budget but most importantly, your needs.
But even if you can’t afford any of these, don’t despair! Any activity that raises your heart rate is good for your health. From dancing to skipping rope and even walking briskly around the house, exercising while indoors is quite possible.
Plus, anything around the house can be used as an accessory to help you exercise. You can also check out YouTube workout videos or use free apps that promote physical activity.
Throughout this time of uncertainty, the one thing we can take control of is our physical and mental health. So, whatever situation you’re in right now, try to keep active, stay hydrated, and eat healthily.
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