Resolved to live a healthier lifestyle in 2016? There’s plenty of technology available to help you meet your activity and wellness goals.
PERSONAL CARE
KNOW BY HEART
Wear your heart under your sleeve with a Garmin Vivosmart HR Activity Tracker. The slim wristband monitors heart rate and tracks your steps and calories to help you meet fitness goals. It automatically syncs with smartphones to receive texts, calls, emails and social media alerts while you’re on the move. $150.
888-237-8289; bestbuy.com
FOR GOOD MEASURE
Get a reading on your body health as well as your environment with a Withings WS-50 Smart Body Analyzer. When you step on the scale, it gives your weight, body fat percentage, and heart rate, then graphs the data on your smartphone to track progress. Plus it continuously monitors indoor air quality and delivers a daily weather report. $150.
888-280-4331; amazon.com
DENTAL ASSISTANT
Could there be a better way to brush your teeth? Find out with Oral-B’s Pro 5000 Electric Rechargeable Power Toothbrush with Bluetooth connectivity. It communicates through your smartphone to tell you if you’re brushing too hard, too briefly or just right and even reminds you to floss. $100.
800-925-4733; walgreens.com
WIREDHANDS OF RELIEF
TENS FINGER MASSAGE
The pain-relieving TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) therapy used in medical offices to relieve back, muscle and other discomfort is available as a home treatment with a Prospera PL009 Electronic Pulse Massager. The compact, microcomputer-controlled device has adjustable speeds, multiple automated settings and three massage techniques. $100.
925-225-0888; prosperacorp.com
UNDERFOOT
Injuries, health issues or just a long day at work can lead to sore feet. Hammacher Schlemmer’s LED Foot Pain Reliever uses gentle infrared heat to reduce swelling and relieve stiffness. A timer shuts it off after 20 minutes. $250.
800-321-1484; hammacher.com
WEAR IT WELL
CHIC AND SLEEK
Simple and streamlined, the Misfit Shine tracks multiple activities and displays your progress with an understated halo of lights while your data syncs on a compatible smart device. Assorted colors and accessories — leather bands, necklaces and clips — complement any activity or fashion style. $50 for Misfit Shine with black sport wristband.
support@misfit.com; misfit.com
IN THE RUNNING
Sensoria Smart Socks are embedded with sensors that work with an anklet to wirelessly measure steps, speed, calories burned and distance. They also evaluate runners’ foot-landing techniques and running cadences to improve performance and alleviate injuries. $199; includes two pairs of socks, one anklet, one anklet charger and a mobile app.
425-533-2928; sensoriafitness.com
Becky Billingsley is a freelance writer from Myrtle Beach, S.C. Her monthly column also appears in South Carolina Living, the statewide electric co-op magazine of the Palmetto state. Product inclusion on this page does not imply endorsement; product availability and prices are subject to change.
