5 FUTURISTIC PIECES OF SMART FITNESS TECH
The last decade has seen the stratospheric rise of boutique fitness studios across the UK – but with many gyms shuttered during the pandemic, home workouts have become the next frontier in wellness.
Gone are the days of bicep curling a dusty set of dumbbells that roll around underneath your sofa, however. Thanks to advancements in technology, you can now recreate the authentic gym experience right in your own living-room.
You only have to look at the rise of cult exercise bike Peloton for proof, which now boasts over 4.4 million members across the globe ,and celebrity fans including David Beckham and Megan Rapinoe.
The number of options has exploded in recent months too, with a range of connected devices promising to link users up with first-class trainers, as well as other members of the fitness community, while tailoring training to your personal workout goals.
Here are a couple of 2021’s fitness trendsetters...
1.Hydrow (hydrow.co.uk)
Hydrow is a sleek, at-home rower that takes the boredom out of rowing by bringing some of the world’s most famous stretches of water, like the Thames and Cairo’s historic River Nile, right to your living room. Its 22-inch HD touchscreen displays live and on-demand tailored classes out on the water, and its electromagnetic and computer-controlled drag mechanism that mimics the feeling of stroking your oars through a real waterway, without the need to worry about weather conditions. Hydrow certainly isn’t cheap though, it costs £2,295 for the rower, plus £38 per month for the class subscription.
2. Nordic Track Treadmill Commercial X32i( nordic track. co.uk)
NordicTrack are one of the original pioneers of smart home workout equipment, and they’ve gone all-in when it comes to upgrading the treadmill. The Commercial X32i, the brand’s latest launch, has an impressive 32-inch smart HD touchscreen, so you can stream on-demand studio workouts around your own schedule.
There’s no slacking off in secret either, as the treadmill features interactive tech where elite trainers automatically adjust your machine’s speed, incline and decline, as you sweat along with their classes. It’s also fitted with sled grips so you can add resistance to your treadmill band and really feel the burn.
The NordicTrack Treadmill Commercial X32i is available to purchase in the UK and costs a hefty £3,499, but this includes an iFit Family Membership which gives you access to all of their classes.