If we are sports lovers and we want to improve our sports performance, we can make use of technology. Whether it is to control our health or we want to improve results, we can choose to use various gadgets specially designed to motivate us, quantify our training or achieve that change in our physical appearance that we are looking for.
Playing sports is in fashion and more and more people are practicing any type of sports activity. To help us control our habits we can use different technological gadgets specially designed for athletes, capable of taking advantage of all their functions.
What is connected sport
It is simply about practicing a sporting activity, whatever it may be, but in a totally controlled way. Through an object normally connected to a mobile application we will be able to register our performance optimizing the work to achieve the expected results in a faster and safer way. In this way, we will also avoid injuries due to excessive training.
These types of accessories have found their way into all sports equipment: watches or bracelets that can be placed on different parts of the body (wrists, ankles, arms, thighs, etc.), clothing, and even exercise equipment such as treadmills.
Connected accessories are responsible for accompanying athletes during their daily practices . These devices especially allow the measurement of several parameters. A whole series of data that is very useful and that helps athletes to evaluate their performance:
- Health data – here we need to take into account the number of calories burned, heart rate, hydration level. They also help us with the level of tiredness of the muscles and the electrical activity they produce during a movement, etc.
- Activity recording: the muscles worked, the duration of the exercise, the distance traveled, the number of series performed for each exercise, the number of steps or kicks, the pedaling cycles in cycling, the speed and acceleration of the movements…
Benefits of connected sports
Technology and sport have always taken parallel paths. Whether it is to improve training, reinforce the safety of sports practice and the impartiality of events, or increase the entertainment experience , technology has always been present. Playing connected sports brings with it a series of advantages that we must take into account.
- Workout Tracking – Because connected objects are used, all results are recorded daily. In this way, all the data can be collected to check our progress and compare training sessions. In addition, we may share this data with other people.
- A la carte training : being a connected athlete also allows us to have a large number of complete training programs adapted to our goals and needs (weight loss, bodybuilding, resistance, etc.) and our level of physical condition. Some applications even allow us to create your own training plan acting as a sports coach.
- Personalized Workouts – Some connected devices act as simple sensors to record and provide data on the exercises performed. Others are actual trainers who can provide verbal instructions, encouragement, and remind you to stick with the workout. Therefore, this is a great way to motivate ourselves and train rigorously to achieve and achieve our goals.
- Prevention tools: connected objects provide very useful data to limit fatigue and prevent injuries (hydration level, heart rate, muscle fatigue…). Some apps even take it upon themselves to warn users when their bodies reach their own limits.
- 24-hour informed : The activity sensor is responsible for setting the rhythm during the day and is also used to analyze the sleep cycle at night. The use of this data is conducive to a better recovery between exercises and to know how much we rest and if that rest is correct.
Once we have known all the benefits that connected sports bring us, we are going to see which gadgets are essential to help us control our sports activity.
Types of sports accessories
In the market we can find a wide variety of gadgets designed so that they can become our inseparable allies, and thus improve our sports performance. Through them we will be able to monitor our health so that we can maximize our performance:
- Smart watch – Also known as a smartwatch. Through them we will be able to track our training since they have wide compatibility with all kinds of sports. They also measure our heart rate, monitor sleep, control our stress level and the quality of oxygen in the blood. They have a tactile color sphere from which to adjust the different options. In addition, we will be able to take better control of our health both before, during and after each workout.
- Smart bracelet : or also called smartband. Similar in concept to smart watches, although lighter and therefore more manageable. Its main function is to monitor aspects of your life such as steps, calories, exercise, sleep… They all agree that they have a sensor to measure movement and thus measure our activity.
- Electro stimulator : it is a good device for both amateur and professional athletes. Electrical stimulation helps strengthen both the abdominal and lower back. This increases strength and stability. It also helps relieve back pain, cervical pain, neck pain, muscle pain in various areas of the body.
- Activity tracker for soccer : using a strap attached to the leg, the tracker provides statistics such as hitting force, number of heartbeats, number of steps, sprint speed, etc., to control our activity.
- Items for training at home : for example, a stationary bike, elliptical or a treadmill. All of them are in charge of programming our sports activity. It is possible to check the training time, speed, distance, pulse and calories burned. They can even have a recovery test for after exercise.
- Smart kettlebell : They are another great accessory to improve our physical condition. They are able to carry out a recognition of our body in real time, make recordings, calorie consumption and change recorded in our body.
Cheap Sports Gadgets
Next, we are going to see a series of more affordable sports gadgets that can be of great help to control our progress without requiring a large financial outlay.
Smartband – Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 7
Without a doubt, it is the most popular activity bracelet on the market. In this most recent version we find a 1.62-inch AMOLED screen. It incorporates 120 training modes, being able to provide a professional analysis of the data collected. It is capable of indicating maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), training load (TL), training effect (TE), and total recovery time.
This smart bracelet also allows us to monitor the percentage of oxygen in the blood (SpO2) throughout the day. We can even receive alerts for unbalanced levels. It also has heart rate monitoring 24 hours a day, breathing monitoring during sleep, stress and the female cycle. In addition, it has water resistance, being able to submerge it up to 50 meters. Its price is around 60 euros.
Smartwatch – Garmin Forerunner 45
When we talk about sports smartwatches, Garmin is one of the leading companies. With it we will be able to customize our training plans so that they adapt to our objectives. Run 5 km, 10 km, do a half marathon, etc. It also includes applications for different sports activities such as cycling, indoor track, treadmill, elliptical, yoga, cardio, among others.
The watch includes an incident detection function (during our activities) and assistance. Through it, it is responsible for sending our location in real time to emergency contacts. This live tracking allows our family and friends to follow our progress. It also includes smart notifications for messages, incoming calls, controls the music that we play from the mobile, etc. Its price is around €113.
Electro stimulator – Beurer EM49
This 3-in- 1 digital electro stimulator is optimal for pain relief , muscle strengthening and relaxing massage. It includes 3 basic functions of EMS, TENS and massage, which can work individually or in combination. The 4 electrodes can be placed in various areas of the body. Electrical stimuli are safe, virtually painless, and a mild tingle or vibration may be felt.
The electro muscular stimulator is optimal for the relief of back pain, cervical pain, neck pain, muscle pain in various areas of the body. It is like having a physiotherapy system at home , since it contributes to the reduction of pain without drugs. This is because it has a transcutaneous electrical stimulation system, 12 preprogrammed applications and 3 customizable ones. Its price is €49.
Activity Tracker for Soccer – Footbar Meteor
This sports gadget is suitable for all kinds of activities related to football. Whether for leisure or competition, in football 11, football 5, indoors or outdoors… it is a accessory that has the relevant authorization to be used in competition . It is supplied with a textile strap that is fastened around the calf of the striking leg and a USB adapter to charge the battery.
It is responsible for providing statistics such as hitting force, number of beats, number of steps, sprint speed, number of runs, distance traveled, number of balloons played, etc. It does not have GPS, gesture detection is done through an accelerometer and artificial intelligence. In addition, it is compatible with our Android and iOS mobile via Bluetooth. Its price is around €80 .
Portable GPS – Garmin Etrex 10G
The new eTrex 10 portable GPS maintains the basic features, rugged design, affordability, and long battery life that make it the most affordable GPS device around. It has an improved user interface and has added a worldwide basemap , “paperless” geocaching, and mounting hardware for the case.
It has a 2.2-inch monochrome screen that will be easy to read in any situation. It is capable of connecting with GPS and GLONASS satellites so that it can acquire our position quickly and accurately. It works with two AA batteries capable of giving us an autonomy of up to 25 hours of use. We can buy it for around €120 .
High-end connected gadgets
For those who require the most advanced technology, you can opt for these high-end sports gadgets, like the ones we are going to see below.
Exercise bike – Sportstech
The F-Bike X100-B folding bike features a patented resistance system with power cords and oscillating pulley for bi-directional training, built in discreetly, allowing for fluid movement of the arms and upper body. It is equipped with a large LCD screen with support for a tablet and a heart rate monitor.
It has an extra-quiet belt drive and a 2-speed magnetic brake system that guarantees a perfect workout at home. It has an ergonomic seat and a padded backrest to carry out long training sessions comfortably, and its seat is even adjustable in 4 steps. In addition, thanks to its quick folding system and practical transport wheels, this exercise bike adapts to any place in our home without problems. Its price is around €175.
Elliptical trainer – PROACTION BH Quick
This elliptical bike has an LCD monitor that is easy to use and read and on it we can check the training time, speed, distance, pulse and calories burned. In addition, it has a recovery test , to control the pulse at the end of the exercise, and a body fat control test based on the user’s gender, height, weight and age.
It is designed for occasional use of between 1 and 3 hours per week. Therefore, it is ideal for those who want to carry out a gentle daily exercise and without the need to make great efforts to keep the body active. Its 36 kg of weight make it one of the lightest ellipticals on the market . It is easy to move by anyone thanks to its transport wheels. We can buy it for around €300 .
Treadmill – Catapult PLAYR Tracker GPS 80
The TechFit MT80 treadmill is the ideal product for all indoor spaces, whether at home or in the office, due to its small dimensions. It can be easily stored and transported thanks to the integrated wheels. It is also a lightweight product, weighing only 24 kg , and offers professional training thanks to its technical team.
Its folding system is very easy to use and is recommended for anyone who wants to lose weight or strengthen their muscles. Cardiovascular training is one of the most recommended and used exercises, especially if the goal is to lose weight. The TechFit MT80 tape has a high degree of research, due to its versatility and ease of storage. We can buy it for about €335 .
Dumbbell Kit – KSIX smart your tech
These weights are connected to a sensor that, thanks to its mobile app, allows us to fully monitor our workouts . It also allows us to carry out online exercise programs. In addition, this own app offers personalized exercises to do sports without having to leave home. Thanks to its double nut system, safety and comfort during use is guaranteed. The plates don’t move, so there’s no weight shifting during the exercise and no detachment from the bar.
This fitness kettlebell has been designed for us to do our strength exercises for a long time. Its inner body is made of iron , so the high durability of these kettlebells is more than guaranteed. They are covered with the highest quality TPR silicone, which not only guarantees the duration of the weights, but also makes cleaning them much easier. In addition, it protects the surfaces from impacts and makes them leave no trace. We can buy it for about €200 .
Our recommendation
As we have been able to verify, we have a good number of sports and smart gadgets that will allow us to be connected during our sports activity, so that they help us to improve our training, whatever the activity we practice.
The choice between one device or another will depend to a large extent on the sport that we practice and of course, on our budget. Perhaps one of the most useful and complete articles, which stands out for its quality/price ratio, is the Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 7 smart bracelet since it is compatible with all kinds of exercises and sports. It allows exercise monitoring and controls health at all times, making it ideal for carrying out connected sports without the need for a large outlay.