Introduction
If you’re setting fitness goals for 2026, the right tech can make sticking to them a whole lot easier. As News Of Los Angeles‘s resident fitness expert, I’ve evaluated everything from the best treadmills to smart rings and smart home gyms. Before joining News Of Los Angeles, I worked as a personal trainer, so I know what actually helps people succeed with their fitness routines.
At a Glance
- Recovery gear that’s TSA-friendly and portable.
- Wearables that deliver clinically-validated health data.
- Home systems that replace an entire gym.
- Why it matters: These tools give you measurable progress and convenient recovery without leaving your home.
Recovery Gear
Hyperice Normatec Go Boots are compact compression boots that fit in a backpack. The boots are TSA-friendly, rechargeable, and offer a 3-hour battery life. I’ve found it helpful to use them after a run and tough leg day. They target the calves, which is great for petite users who find standard boots too large.
Key Features
- TSA-friendly
- 3-hour battery
- Short design for calves
Wearable Health
Apple Watch Series 11 is the newest Apple Watch with FDA-cleared hypertension alerts, a longer battery life, a sleep score, and a more scratch-resistant screen. Lead Writer Vanessa Hand Orellana said the Series 11 felt like picking up where she left off from the last Apple Watch iteration. The sleep score follows clinical guidance to grade sleep quality based on duration, bedtime, and interruptions.
Highlights
- FDA-cleared hypertension notifications
- Extended battery life
- Quantifiable sleep data
Compact Massage
Theragun Mini 2 is a tiny yet powerful massage gun that fits in a purse or backpack. David Carnoy said, “The Theragun Mini 2 is tiny yet powerful, and it is a favorite of mine if you want a compact massage gun that packs a mighty punch.” It comes with three massage heads, three settings, and a soft carrying case. It’s TSA-friendly and still powerful even at the lowest setting.
Heavy-Duty Massage
Theragun PRO G5 is a standard-size massage gun designed for serious athletes. It features six attachments, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and customizable preset programs. The device offers a long-lasting battery life and is ideal for those who work out hard and take recovery seriously.
Smart Ring
Oura Ring 4 has a titanium exterior and interior, unlike the Gen 3. Carly Marsh said, “I tested a few smart rings at one point and the one that stood out the most to me was the Oura Ring.” The ring tracks stress levels, heart rate, menstrual cycle insights, and sleep. After about a month of use, it provides a readiness score based on sleep and stress, helping users adjust their routines.
Home Gym
Tonal 2 replaces traditional strength-training equipment with a single device that offers up to 250 pounds of resistance. The machine resembles a cable machine with a screen in the middle and adjustable arms. Tonal uses AI through 13 sensors to track form and technique. It offers thousands of on-demand and live workouts and includes a new Aero feature for cardio. The price tag is $4,295.
Indoor Cycling
Peloton Bike remains the No. 1 exercise bike thanks to its motivating community and live classes. The bike is delivered and assembled at home. It connects with other Peloton members for leaderboard competition. The instructors are high-energy, and the platform continually updates its workout library. The author said, “I’m personally partial to Alex Toussaint and Robin Arzon because every time I take their classes, I’m always inspired to push myself more.”
Earbuds
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 offer excellent audio and noise-canceling features. Prakhar Khanna said, “I take listening to my music seriously during my workouts.” The earbuds have a long battery life that can last weeks, a noise-canceling feature, and an ear-hook design that stays put during strength training, outdoor runs, and daily walks.
Virtual Coaching
Future app connects you with a personal trainer right in your home. The app costs $200 a month, but new members pay $100 for the first month with the current deal. The author said, “This app got me through my pregnancy and postpartum period, so I could resume exercising safely.” The app provides weekly workout plans, video demonstrations, and a chat portal to adjust schedules as needed.
Key Takeaways
- Recovery gear like the Hyperice Normatec Go Boots and Theragun devices can fit into a travel bag and keep you moving on the go.
- Wearables such as the Apple Watch Series 11 and Oura Ring 4 deliver clinically-validated health data that help you track progress.
- Home gym solutions like Tonal 2 and Peloton Bike offer comprehensive strength and cardio training without leaving your living room.
- Digital coaching via the Future app gives you a personalized trainer whenever you need one.
- Combining these tools can create a holistic fitness ecosystem that supports training, recovery, and health monitoring.
