The world of sports and athletics is becoming more and more digitized every day. We’ve gotten to the point that the equipment we use can be hooked up to our phones and computers to give instant feedback on our performance. Which…is actually pretty cool. Whether you are an action photographer, professional athlete, or fitness guru, new products are hitting the shelves every day to improve your experience and further your performance. There are too many to list, but here are a few gems to look out for birthdays, celebrations, and holidays. These gifts are perfect for the athlete in your life.
Polaroid Cube
The Polaroid Cube is an HD action camera that fits in the palm of your hand. But don’t let its small, 35cc frame deceive you. The Cube takes pictures or records video using a 124° wide-angle lens in 1440p HD, making your action shots and clips come to life on screen. It’s also shockproof and splash resistant, so you can use it while really getting in the action. This is perfect for an athlete to record just how awesome their activities really are. It can even connect to your smartphone device through WiFi, making uploading pictures and videos – wait for it – a snap. Sorry, I couldn’t resist…
Fitbit Charge HR
The Fitbit Charge HR is a great addition to any athlete or fitness buff’s collection of exercise equipment. By simply wearing it as a watch, you can track your steps taken, stairs climbed, calories burned, and your heart rate throughout the day. It also recognizes your sleep patterns, reporting times of deep sleep as well as restlessness. After syncing it with your mobile device, the Fitbit automatically uploads this information for you to analyze at the end of the day. When it’s synced, it will even vibrate when you have a call — just in case your phone is on silent or on the other side of the house.
Sennheiser PMX 685i
Who doesn’t listen to music during a workout? The Sennheiser PMX 685i headphones bring back the old headband style, combined with the in-ear style of today. In doing so, Sennheiser has created shock-resistant headphones that minimize wear and tear, and won’t pop out of your ear while running or jumping. These headphones for the active athlete are also water-resistant, and can be rinsed with running water between uses. You can even sync it with your Apple devices and use it to take phone calls.
SmartMat
Though it’s still in development, the SmartMat is currently available for pre-order. A must-have for any Yoga fanatic, the SmartMat is designed to calibrate with your body and provide feedback as you go through your routine. The SmartMat works in conjunction with any smart device to display the correct position for a specific pose in comparison with your performance. You’ll be able to download specific routines and classes through the SmartMat app upon launch, as well. All you need to add is a calming Pandora channel!
Connected Cycle
The Connected Cycle is exactly what it sounds like: an attachment to bring your biking into the 21st century. By replacing your bike pedals with the Connected Cycle, you can monitor your speed, route taken, amount of incline pedaled through, and calories burned. Since the pedals act as a GPS, it also tags your bike’s location at all times – meaning you can be sure it stays right where you left it. Perhaps the most user-friendly feature of the Connected Cycle is that the pedals generate battery life when you use it, meaning it never has to be charged, and can be left on at all times. Talk about incentive!
94Fifty Smart Sensor Basketball
Even basketballs can track your performance these days. The 94Fifty Smart Sensor Basketball monitors your shooting arc, shot release speed, backspin, and dribble control, providing feedback through your connected smart device. It also tracks makes and misses, and provides workout regimens for improving your skills. The Smart Sensor Basketball is currently in development, and should be released in April 2016 so keep any eye out for this awesome gift.
Featured photo credit: DSC_0838 / Arkadiy Solovyov via farm6.staticflickr.com
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