Fantastic gadgets that make fitness fun

A spate of new devices use modern mobile technology for better motivation.

by Brian Bennett March 29, 2012 11:26 AM PDT

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

Spring has sprung and that means summer is right around the corner. If you still haven't worked off those extra winter pounds, it's high time to start before swimsuit and tank top weather cruelly arrives. Luckily, a groundswell of new mobile accessories harness wireless technology, competitive behavior, social media, and other online tools to help couch potatoes catch the exercise bug.
Even if your goal isn't to become the next Ironman Triathlon winner, getting into a regular exercise routine can be a challenge. In today's digitally amped up, always-on, yet increasingly sedentary age, simply dropping what you're doing and taking a 15-minute walk is difficult. A slew of new products from sports heavyweights such as Nike to spunky startups like FitBit plan to slyly use this ultraconnected world to spur you into action.
The game becomes the goal
I guess it's no surprise that the gamification craze, collecting badges and touting achievements to taunt Facebook friends and Twitter followers, should hit the personal fitness market, too. Kids naturally know that exercise and gameplay are two sides of the same coin and that friendly competition can make any sport more fun. Perhaps it's time we adults embrace their inner child. We reviewed these cutting-edge gadgets and love how they strive to make having fun a way to getting fit.