As the days start to get colder, my motivation to work out tends to dwindle. Let’s be honest, the temptation to get back into bed and watch all of the Harry Potter films after work is too strong, especially once the leaves start falling off the trees.
But having the right gear can make all the difference. Knowing I have the right support from my favorite gadgets makes me actually want to get out there and do my workout.
I get to test out some of the best wireless earbuds, best smartwatches, and best massage guns. These are the ones I keep coming back to to keep me going back to the gym.
Music for motivation
Everyone listens to music while they work out. I must have at least 20 workout playlists on my Spotify account, but having the right gear to listen with will make all the difference.
Sometimes, total noise cancellation from headphones can help you to lock in, but I prefer open-earbuds. If you are a runner, this style works especially well to ensure you remain aware of your surroundings at all times. This means that you can make space for other runners and stay safe in high-traffic areas near roads.
My current favorite pair is the JLab Epic Open Sport open-earbuds. I keep going back to them because, although they may not have audiophile-level sound quality, they are extremely comfortable and secure when working out — and that's what matters most in running headphones. The choice between touch-sensitive or button controls also makes them more tactile and much easier to operate when you're moving.
Tracking for accountability
To make sure I stay on top of my goals, I need something to keep me accountable. That’s where the Amazfit Bip 6 smartwatch comes in. A smartwatch is the perfect way to track your progress and see how your body is reacting to increased activity over time.
Although this smartwatch is super affordable, it tracks everything accurately and gives very effective feedback in the companion app. There is a lot of control over your metrics and how you action the feedback the watch is giving you, making wearing the Bip 6 a personalized experience.
The Bip 6 also tracks sleep, so it can give you a good idea of how your body is recovering after working out, too. Getting enough rest in between sessions really is half the battle in staying consistent with your routine — if you burn yourself out too quickly, you’re going to give up a lot faster.
Relaxing recovery
One thing that puts a lot of people off regularly going to the gym is the time it takes for recovery. Walking around with sore muscles for two days after leg day is rough. So just like with tracking sleep, having effective recovery methods is going to make sure you’re ready for your next session even sooner.
The Hyperice Venom Go has become a staple in my post-run routine. As someone who has tried everything to get over everyday aches and pains, this device, though small, has made the biggest difference.
I know that if I use it to soothe my muscles after a run or a weighted session, I feel far better the next day. It uses heat and vibration patterns to relax and soothe the muscles by encouraging a higher rate of blood flow in the area to effectively regenerate the muscles. Being able to quickly relieve tension means I can up the intensity without worrying too much about the effects.
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