12 Unexpected Fitness Gadgets to Elevate Your Routine in 2025
September 2, 2025
Overview
Ready to revolutionize your workout? Step into 2025 with a curated collection of unexpected fitness gadgets designed to elevate your routine and maximize your results. This guide explores innovative tools and tech-driven solutions that go beyond the basics, from smart recovery devices and personalized training aids to cutting-edge wearables and unique fitness experiences. Discover the latest in fitness technology and find the perfect gadgets to transform your workout and help you reach your fitness goals.
Senior Editor
Our top picks
The Best Smart Recovery Tool for Faster Recovery: Hypervolt 2 Pro Heat, $408.00
The Most Innovative AI-Powered Workout Analyzer: fēnix 8 - 43 mm, $999.99
The Best Interactive Fitness Gaming System: Tonal 2, $4,295.00
The Best Biometric Training Gear for Personalized Training: Oura Ring Gen3 Heritage, $249.00
The Ultimate Smart Jump Rope for Data-Driven Workouts: Smart Rope by Tangram Factory, $79.95
The Best Portable Muscle Stimulation Device for Recovery: Mini Thermal Massage Gun, $59.99
The Most Cutting-Edge Gadget for Fitness Enthusiasts: Amazfit Balance Smart Watch, $285.59
The Best Gift for the Tech-Savvy Fitness Buff: JAXJOX Adjustable Kettlebell, $99.00
Smart Recovery Tools for Peak Performance
Discover gadgets that accelerate muscle recovery and minimize downtime for optimal results.
Hypervolt 2 Pro Heat
$408.00
The Hypervolt 2 Pro Heat delivers deep, penetrating relief that in our testing made warm-ups and recovery noticeably faster, and its all-black, sleek design feels premium and robust. We found the build quality very durable and effective, though that sturdiness adds weight, making it less convenient to carry around. Our experience shows it’s an excellent choice for athletes or serious exercisers who want powerful, customizable percussion with smart features and strong user support — but if mobility is a priority, be prepared for something on the heavier side.
The Good
• The Hypervolt 2 Pro delivers deep, penetrating relief to sore muscles, making it a game-changer for warm-ups and recovery.
• The Hypervolt 2 Pro is an elegant machine. It is sleeker, more robust, and with an all-black body.
• The Hypervolt 2 Pro is an elegant machine. It is sleeker, more robust, and with an all-black body.
The Bad
• The Hypervolt 2 Pro is well-built; it is sturdy and some may find it heavy.
• The Hypervolt 2 Pro is well-built; it is sturdy and some may find it heavy.
• The Hypervolt 2 Pro is well-built; it is sturdy and some may find it heavy.
Durability: true / Smart Integration: true / Mobility: false / Customizability: true
Theragun
$219.99
The Theragun Pro is a high-power percussion device that we found delivers serious deep-tissue treatment and noticeably improved recovery during our testing, with quieter operation compared to older models. In practical use its mobility and customization options make it versatile for athletes, although the higher price and occasional durability or customer service complaints are things to weigh. If you want professional-level muscle relief in a portable package with smart integration, the Theragun Pro performs — just expect an investment and factor potential service hassles into your decision.
The Good
• The Theragun Pro offers high power and effectiveness for deep muscle treatment.
• The latest model has reduced noise levels compared to previous versions.
The Bad
• The device is priced higher than many competitors, making it a significant investment.
• Some users have reported durability issues and challenges with customer service.
Durability: true / Smart Integration: true / Mobility: true / Customizability: true
AI-Powered Workout Analyzers
Get real-time feedback and personalized guidance with these advanced fitness trackers.
Tonal 2
$4,295.00
Tonal 2 is a wall-mounted, strength-training powerhouse that in our testing impressed with smart weight adjustments and real-time coaching cues that make at-home lifting very efficient. We found the sleek design integrates into living spaces without feeling gym-like and delivers a huge range of customizable workouts, but the upfront cost, mandatory membership, and tricky installation can be barriers. If you’re committed to strength training and want a compact, coach-driven system, Tonal 2 offers exceptional utility — just be prepared for the investment and installation effort.
The Good
• The machine offers smart weight adjustments and real-time coaching cues.
• The design is sleek and doesn't make your living room feel like a gym.
• The machine provides a wide variety of workouts and coaching styles.
The Bad
• The initial cost is high, with additional expenses for accessories and a mandatory membership.
• Installation can be a pain if your space isn’t perfect.
• Not as plug-and-play as other equipment.
Durability: true / Smart Integration: true / Mobility: false / Customizability: true
Interactive Fitness Gaming Systems
Transform workouts into engaging experiences with immersive fitness games and simulations.
Peloton Bike+
$2,495.00
The Peloton Bike+ is a premium, connected cycling experience — during our review the 360-degree rotating screen and auto-follow resistance stood out for seamless transitions between on-bike rides and off-bike strength or yoga classes. We found the hardware impressively durable and smartly integrated, but the price and ongoing subscription can add up quickly, and its weight makes it hard to move around. If you want studio-quality classes, real-time resistance adjustments, and customization within a polished ecosystem, the Bike+ delivers — just plan for the cost and limited mobility.
The Good
• The 360-degree rotating screen allows for seamless transition between cycling and off-bike workouts.
• The auto-follow resistance feature automatically adjusts resistance based on instructor guidance.
The Bad
• The Bike+ is expensive compared to other stationary bikes on the market.
• A monthly subscription is required for full functionality, adding to the overall cost.
• The Bike+ is heavy and not easy to move, which could be inconvenient for some users.
Durability: true / Smart Integration: true / Mobility: false / Customizability: true
2450 Treadmill
$39.00
The 2450 Treadmill gives you a large 24" HD touchscreen that tilts and pivots for comfortable viewing in classes, and during our review the screen made following iFIT workouts feel immersive. We found the machine well-built and durable, but it’s heavy and awkward to move despite folding features, and the full experience requires an iFIT subscription which increases the lifetime cost. For committed runners who want instructor-led sessions and a high-quality display, this treadmill is a solid at-home studio option — though consider space and subscription fees before you buy.
The Good
• The 24” HD touchscreen tilts and pivots for versatile viewing during workouts.
The Bad
• The treadmill is heavy and can be difficult to move despite its foldable design.
• The iFIT subscription is required for full functionality, adding to the overall cost.
Durability: true / Smart Integration: true / Mobility: false / Customizability: true
Biometric Training Gear
Explore smart apparel and equipment that track unique body metrics for personalized training.
Oura Ring Gen3 Heritage
$249.00
The Oura Ring Gen3 Heritage is a minimalist sleep and recovery tracker that we found comfortable enough for continuous wear and excellent at picking up temperature shifts that can flag early illness. In our testing the ring’s discreet form factor made it less distracting than a smartwatch, and its mobility and smart integration are real strengths, though sizing can be tricky if fingers swell and the $5.99 monthly subscription after the trial is a drawback. For anyone prioritizing sleep and recovery insights without a bulky wrist device, Oura is a sleek, durable choice — but be sure to get your sizing right.
The Good
• The Oura Ring Gen3 Heritage offers a sleek, minimalist design that is comfortable for continuous wear.
• The device provides accurate tracking of workouts, sleep, and recovery metrics without the distractions of smartwatches.
• The ring's capability to detect physiological changes, like temperature variations during sleep, offers early warnings of illness.
The Bad
• Some users find the sizing challenging, especially if fingers swell overnight, leading to discomfort.
• The monthly subscription fee of $5.99 after the first free month is a point of contention for some users.
• The ring's activity tracking could be improved, as some users find it lacking in accuracy for tracking workouts.
Durability: true / Smart Integration: true / Mobility: true / Customizability: false
fēnix 8 - 43 mm
$999.99
Garmin’s fēnix 8 (43 mm) blends a rugged build with a bright 1.3" AMOLED display that we found easy to read outdoors during our testing, and the steel or titanium bezel adds real durability. Our experience shows it’s packed with smart features and customization for athletes who want advanced metrics on the go, but the $999.99 price tag may be prohibitive for casual users. If you value a tough, high-performance multisport watch with extensive smart integration and long-term support, the fēnix 8 is hard to beat — just expect to pay a premium.
The Good
• The fēnix 8 features a bright 1.3” AMOLED display with a durable steel or titanium bezel.
The Bad
• The smartwatch is priced at $999.99, which may be considered expensive for some consumers.
Durability: true / Smart Integration: true / Mobility: true / Customizability: true
Amazfit Balance Smart Watch
$285.59
The Amazfit Balance Smart Watch stands out for its 14-day battery life, which our experience shows dramatically reduces charging hassle and keeps you tracking consistently between workouts. During our review we appreciated the watch’s durability and smart integration for health metrics, but we found the built-in speaker and mic struggled on calls in noisy settings and the lack of third-party app support limits expandability. For users who prioritize long battery life and dependable fitness tracking, the Balance is a practical, mobile choice — just don’t expect advanced app ecosystems or top-tier call quality.
The Good
• The watch offers a 14-day battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging.
The Bad
• The built-in speaker and microphone quality for calls could be better, especially in noisy environments.
• The watch lacks support for third-party apps, limiting its functionality compared to competitors.
Durability: true / Smart Integration: true / Mobility: true / Customizability: true
DIOTUSS Digital Hand Grip Strengthener
$29.99
Light and portable, the DIOTUSS Digital Hand Grip Strengthener is a rechargeable grip tester that in our testing made tracking strength and improving finger flexibility simple and stress-relieving. We found the grooved fingerprint path and ergonomic shape comfortable, but readings can shift if your hand placement changes and the screen feels delicate, so handle with care. It doesn’t offer smart integration and isn’t built for heavy-duty use, but our experience shows it’s a customizable, mobile tool for home grip work.
The Good
• Rechargeable grip strength tester for convenient and accurate tracking of strength levels.
• Grooved fingerprint path and ergonomic design for comfortable and effective grip training.
• Provides stress relief and improves finger flexibility.
The Bad
• Some users may find the grip strength resistance levels too high or too low for their specific needs.
• Inconsistencies in readings due to slight shifts in grip position.
• Screen seems delicate and may be prone to damage if dropped.
Durability: false / Smart Integration: false / Mobility: true / Customizability: true
JAXJOX Adjustable Kettlebell
$99.00
The JAXJOX Adjustable Kettlebell packs a 12–42 lb range and built-in motion sensors that track reps, sets, and power output, which in our testing made switching exercises and monitoring progress efficient. We found the construction durable and the adjustable weight useful for variety, but the larger chassis can be awkward for small hands and takes up more space, and the app’s tracking features weren’t always reliable during our review. It also needs regular charging, so our experience shows it’s best for home strength setups where mobility isn’t a priority.
The Good
• Adjustable weight range from 12 to 42 pounds allows for versatile workouts.
• Integrated motion sensors track reps, sets, and power output for performance monitoring.
The Bad
• The kettlebell's larger size may be cumbersome for users with smaller hands or limited space.
• The JAXJOX app's performance tracking features may not function reliably.
• The kettlebell requires regular charging, which may be inconvenient for some users.
Durability: true / Smart Integration: true / Mobility: false / Customizability: true
The Ultimate Smart Jump Rope
This innovative jump rope provides real-time data on jumps, calories burned, and workout duration.
Smart Rope by Tangram Factory
$79.95
The Smart Rope by Tangram Factory turns skipping into a quantifiable workout — its app tracks jump count, calories burned, and workout times so you can measure progress. In our testing we appreciated how durable and highly mobile the rope is for travel or quick HIIT circuits, but we found the LED display can be hard to read mid-jump and the rope’s design sometimes encourages poor jumping form if you don’t focus on technique. It’s a smart, compact tool for cardio lovers who want data on the go, though not the best choice if you need coaching on form or customization options.
The Good
• The SmartRope app allows users to track jump count, calories burned, and workout times.
The Bad
• The LED display can be difficult to read during workouts.
• The rope's design may encourage improper jumping form.
Durability: true / Smart Integration: true / Mobility: true / Customizability: false
Portable Muscle Stimulation Devices
Enhance muscle strength and recovery with convenient and compact muscle stimulation gadgets.
Mini Thermal Massage Gun
$59.99
The Mini Thermal Massage Gun is a compact recovery tool that surprised us in our testing with its built-in heat function and quiet operation — perfect for carrying to the gym or using between meetings. We found the lightweight, mobile design makes on-the-go relief easy, though higher intensity settings can feel too strong for some and the button placement occasionally led to accidental shutdowns during use. Our experience shows it’s a great budget-friendly, customizable option for targeted relief, just be mindful of fabric resistance with the silicone heads and dial intensity carefully.
The Good
• The massage gun is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry and use on the go.
• The built-in heat function provides soothing warmth, enhancing muscle relaxation and recovery.
• The device operates quietly, allowing for use without disturbing others.
The Bad
• Some users find the higher intensity settings too strong, even for deep tissue massage.
• The placement of the on/off button can lead to accidental shutdowns during use.
• The silicone head attachments may not slide smoothly over clothing, causing fabric to bunch up.
Durability: true / Smart Integration: false / Mobility: true / Customizability: true
