I’ve had the opportunity to test a lot of fitness tech over the years. Most of it gets quickly relegated to a cupboard or drawer, never to see the light of day again. Some kit does stick around, though, and actually manages to motivate me to get out the door, pack a gym bag, or feel good enough to work up a sweat.
This is the fitness tech I actually use on a regular (and often daily) basis, plus some kit I’ve yet to be won over by.
Fitness tech stuff I actually use
Garmin Forerunner 970 or Apple Watch Ultra 3
Having a fitness-first smartwatch is a must, and for me, it’s a 24/7 commitment. I currently rotate between the Garmin Forerunner 970 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
The Garmin has more in its favour when it comes to training insights. Its daily summaries are more useful, and it does a better job of offering glanceable guidance on what my training and recovery should probably look like that day.
The Watch Ultra 3 can match the Garmin in most performance-tracking areas, while also being a much nicer smartwatch to use day to day. It’s better for slick music controls during workouts, Fitness+ classes without losing Move ring progress, and effortless payments.
Form Smart Swim 2 Pro
The smartwatches above have no problem tracking my swims reliably. What I love about these connected swimming goggles with an AR display (and have done since the first version) is that I don’t have to break my stroke to see how I’m performing.
They’re accurate first and foremost, but they go beyond simple tracking. Form’s HeadCoach feature aims to help you become a better swimmer, offering real-time advice and coaching data on an easy-to-view display that doesn’t distract during swims.
Heart rate monitor chest strap
Smartwatches are better than ever at tracking heart rate during exercise. While the wrist is more convenient, it’s still not the most optimal place to measure it. That’s why I still wear a heart rate monitor chest strap for most workouts when I really want to understand the level of effort I’m putting in.
I currently use the Garmin HRM-Pro Plus or the Polar H10, which is widely considered the gold standard for heart rate tracking during exercise. Both connect easily to the devices I use, whether that’s a watch or an indoor bike. Paired with a watch, they noticeably improve the reliability of training insights by providing more accurate heart rate data.
Therabody JetBoots
Before compression boots entered my life, I relied on a massage gun and foam rolling to reduce soreness after long runs and tougher lower-body workouts. Once I realised I could get a similar effect while putting my feet up on the sofa in front of the TV, there was only ever going to be one winner.
There are wireless versions now, but I still use the wired ones, which means staying close to the not-so-svelte main console. That slightly clunky setup hasn’t stopped me putting them to good use, knowing those air chambers pummelling my legs are helping speed up recovery during another Netflix binge.
Pulsio Tens Pod
A far more portable and travel-friendly recovery device, the Pulsio Tens Pod is small enough to disappear into a bag — or even a trouser pocket. It’s a TENS machine, a technology that’s been around for a long time, delivering electrical current to nerves to help ease pain.
Pulsio’s design lets you stick the pods onto different parts of your body and still move around while they do their thing. The textured buttons make it easy to adjust intensity and switch modes, including using them to warm up muscles before a workout.
Beats PowerBeats Pro 2
I need music in my life pretty much all the time, especially when I’m looking for motivation or a distraction from repetitive routines. I’ve tested hundreds of sports headphones over the years, and these are the ones I keep coming back to.
They stay put during more rigorous exercise, connect reliably across devices, and remain comfortable during long workouts. Most importantly, they sound great across genres, and the ANC is more than capable of blocking out gym noise. I don’t use the built-in heart rate monitor, but everything else makes these feel like the complete sports earbuds.
Pliability app
My phone’s home screen is littered with fitness apps, but one I genuinely use and regularly return to is Pliability. It’s all about mobility and flexibility – something I’ve become more mindful of as niggles and tightness creep in.
The app offers a strong range of workouts and programmes, uses your phone’s camera to assess form and tailor routines, and can even draw on workout data from other apps to make better recommendations.
Fitness tech stuff I ignore
Smart rings
This one’s slightly controversial, because I do think smart rings, like Oura, are good. Much of the data and insight they provide can already be delivered by watches like the Forerunner 970 or Apple Watch Ultra.
I’m also perfectly comfortable wearing a watch to bed. While smart rings offer a more discreet and elegant way to track recovery and sleep, smartwatches do a solid job of that, too.
AI fitness apps and coaching
I’ve yet to come across an AI-powered fitness app or coaching feature that feels genuinely worth using. I’m sure that will change one day. Right now, though, AI and fitness still suffer from a communication problem and lack the personalised touch needed to convince me they’re offering meaningful help.
Red light therapy recovery devices
There are supposed benefits to shining red light on muscles to speed up recovery, but it’s a technology I struggle to be convinced by. You don’t really know if it’s working. With massage guns or recovery boots, at least you can feel the tech doing something. It’s a recovery trend I remain sceptical about.
Vibrating foam rollers
Foam rollers are great. Everyone should have one. They’re cheap, simple, and effective for reducing post-workout soreness. I’m not sold on paying significantly more for one that vibrates as you roll it across your calves or quads. Does it really make it more effective? Plus, it’s just one more thing you need to remember to charge.
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