Tech Accessories That Will Make You Want to Work Out

last updated 19 June 2020

There are two versions of me in the pandemic. The first is a person who’s enthusiastic about working out—sometimes four runs a week, a few HIIT YouTube sessions in the kitchen and maybe a bit of yoga too. But that was the beggining of lockdown, and now, as we’re coming to the end of week 678 in this strange time of our lives, my motivation has started to wane. Instead of working out, my attention is drawn to funny YouTube videos and getting lost down an Instagram hole, all while eating my way through a hefty chunk of Dairy Milk. Now, there’s nothing wrong with that, but I know that I’ll feel much better once my love of exercising returns. So what’s the solution? A bit of extra kit to help me get going again.

I’m not an expert, though, so I spoke to personal trainer Richard Hart about the sort of technology to invest in, especially when it comes to wearable tech—aka fitness trackers. "The great thing now is that technology has come on so much you won’t really find a bad one out there,” says Hart. "I use mine for fitness, music, and a basic stopwatch, but I don’t like calorie counting, as I think people become too reliant on what that means, as it’s not always precise. But if you’re a beginner, they’re a good stepping stone with tracking how you’re getting on.”

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Hart recommends a few options, including Fitbit, Garmin and Apple Watch. Although, he says for the most precise readings, Garmin is one of the best. Another important area to not overlook is the apps that are available, says Hart. If you like running, for example, a new app called District is brilliant, as instead of the stop and start of couch to 5K, this app is all about running to different checkpoints in a city—a much more fun and interactive way to run. There’s also Nike Running and Nike Training, which are worth trying. But the app that Hart says is one of the best when it comes to tracking fitness is Strava, as it’s more precise with its data. With all this in mind, I’ve put together a list of watches that are great for working out, plus a few other pieces of equipment that will motivate you. (For example, I always need a decent pair of headphones.) Plus, I’ve included some workout gear. Keep scrolling for more.