A Few Recommended Fitness Accessories
The 21st century seems to be all about the stuff; the stuff we need, the stuff we want, and the always enticing "new" stuff that promises to revolutionize our daily routines and enhance our lifestyles. Nowhere is this more true than in the area of fitness accessories and technology. It seems every week or two there are more and more gadgets with an astounding array of capabilities that can help make us stronger, fitter, faster, and/or healthier. It’s a shame not to take advantage of these advancements in technology, but where should one draw the line? Which fitness accessories are really beneficial and worth spending your money on? Which are better left to the serious gadget geeks? We're only going to touch on a few items here and try to clear away the clutter. This is, by no means, a comprehensive list of what's out there, or even what you might consider useful. This is just a starter list of things we consider worth looking at.
Smart Watch or Fitness Band
Smart Watch – If you’re willing to splurge a little bit, you’ll find a smart watch a worthy tool in your fitness accessory arsenal. A smart watch has many uses, for fitness and otherwise. It syncs to your smartphone to let you know when you get a text, call, or update. At a glance, you can see all your notifications, the weather, your heart rate, and whatever else you decide you want displayed on the home screen. As a fitness band, it does just as good a job. It can track heart rate, steps taken, miles traveled, and so on. And, of course, it displays the time.
While the Apple Watch is one of the most famous, there are many other high quality smart watches available. Better still, smart watches are available at a variety of price points and designs, so you’re sure to find one that fits your style and budget.
Fitness Band – A fitness band, while lacking some of the capabilities of a smartwatch, is still a smart piece of technology and a great fitness accessory for anyone trying to keep in shape. Fitness bands help track your heart rate, steps, exercise reps, distance covered, and much more. Having this data will help you take accurate stock of your fitness activity. Some bands also offer additional valuable information, such as hours slept, blood pressure, and more. A fitness band can be a great investment for anyone interested in improving and monitoring their health.
With the fitness band market expanding at an astonishing rate, the quality, accuracy, and economy of fitness bands is better than ever. Nowadays, there are hundreds of fitness bands available on the market. You can find an all-around health band that tracks fitness in addition to heart rate, sleep patterns, and so on, or you could opt for a simple band that only tracks one thing, or you can select a band focused on one sport. The possibilities are really endless.
If the idea of wearing a rubber band on your wrist all day is less than appealing to you, no problem. For those who don’t want something too sporty on their wrists, there are options for you. Those who want sleeker or prettier activity trackers can opt for a band disguised as jewelry. Embracing the world of fashion tech, many famous designers have amped up their games to craft unique smart jewelry pieces for both men and women.
With so many capabilities and options to choose from, there should be nothing stopping you from getting a fitness band. Plus, there’s good news: fitness bands won’t break the bank either. They can run anywhere from $30 to $300 with lots (and we mean lots) of affordable choices in between.
A Great Water Bottle
Athletic activity requires rehydration. Drinking plenty of water not only helps replenish you after working out, it’s just plain good for you. It’s good for staying awake, for your skin, for keeping trim and much more. As fitness accessories go, a reusable water bottle a must have for almost everyone, whether you go to a gym or not.
A reusable bottle is great for the environment and great for you, too. Opt for one made out of clean materials such as glass or steel — a material, in other words, that won’t rub off and get chemical gunk into your water (as disposable plastic bottles do). You can pick from thousands of models in a variety of designs, colors, and shapes. Pro tip: Buy one with a hook so that you can snap it onto your gym bag. No more forgetting your water bottle at home ever again!
Top Quality Athletic Shoes
While shoes may not be considered a fitness accessory in the strictest sense, if there’s one thing you absolutely have to do, it’s take care of your feet. They keep you upright, after all. That’s what makes having good athletic shoes a top priority. The right athletic shoes will keep you safe and comfortable while exercising, while the wrong pair could leave you on the couch nursing aching heels or even an injury.
Here are a few quick tips for picking good shoes. First, make sure they fit. There should be about a thumb’s width of space between the front of your big toe and the end of the shoe. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, you should be able to wiggle all your toes when the shoe is on. After lacing, the top of the shoe should be snug and secure.
If you’re shopping in person, go to the store at the end of the day. As we go about the day, our feet swell. You want to try on a shoe when your feet are at their largest so that you know they’ll still be comfortable while you’re exercising (another time when our feet tend to swell).
Lastly, be too thrifty when it comes to choosing your athletic shoes. Don’t be afraid to fork out a little extra if necessary to get a high-quality pair. A great pair of shoes will last you a long time and may well be the most important fitness accessory you own ... and they’ll be a blessing to your feet!
RX Fitness Equipment Has What You're Looking For
If you're on the search for a quality fitness band or any of thousands of other fitness accessories, give RX Fitness a chance to help you find it. We carry equipment and accessories of all kinds to fit every goal and budget and we're here to make your fitness routine more productive. Stop by our store in Thousand Oaks or give us a call. RX Fitness is here to help with your fitness goals and accessories wish list, whatever they may be. We also work with hundreds of personal trainers, fitness coaches and fitness professionals and we're happy to offer a referral to one that suits you. Come in and let us help you find exactly what you're looking for.
Contact Tim Adams for a free consultation or stop by the store and take something for a test drive. We’re here to help.
