Fantastic gadgets that make fitness fun

Apr 11, 2012 (CNET.com - McClatchy-Tribune News Service via COMTEX) -- Sure, all you NEED to work out is a pair of sneakers, but modern technology can really bring something new. A wave of new mobile accessories harness wireless technology and social media to help couch potatoes catch the exercise bug or enrich the experience of habitual athletes. From fitness tracking to gamelike rewards to smart motivational playlists, these gadgets can expand your horizons while you build your muscles or slim your waistline.

Compare reviews: http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57406487-94/fantastic-gadgets-that-make-fitness-fun/?tag=newspapers ___ Nike FuelBand Product Review: http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phone-and-smart/nike-fuelband/4505-6448_7-35165558.

html?tag=newspapers CNET rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 (Very good) The good: As a fitness tracker, the Nike FuelBand offers a simple, attractive design that stays out of the way during most physical activities. Its pedometer tracks steps taken, calories burned, and a proprietary measurement of activity called Nike Fuel. The accompanying iOS app and Nike+ Web site offer great motivational tricks too.

The bad: The Nike Fuel score is worthless to anyone who doesn't have a Nike+ product, and isn't always accurate. There's no way to measure distance for specific runs, so it isn't useful for athletes or people who train regularly. At $149, it's also pricey for what it does.

The cost: $149 The bottom line: Armed with a few tricks, the Nike FuelBand can be very effective as a motivator for casual exercise, but its limitations will leave serious athletes disappointed.

___ Fitbit Ultra Product Review: http://reviews.cnet.com/specialized-electronics/fitbit-ultra-blue/4505-3505_7-34536737.html?tag=newspapers CNET rating: 4 stars out of 5 (Excellent) The good: Small, light and easy to carry, the Fitbit Ultra effortlessly tracks your basic daily activity level. It has a host of online analytical tools, it tracks sleep quality and it boasts both Android and iOS mobile apps.

The bad: The Fitbit Ultra needs to be within 15 feet to sync with its USB-connected base station. The Trainer feature and a deeper activity data analysis cost extra. The Fitbit Ultra isn't waterproof.

The cost: $99.95 to $132.99 The bottom line: The Ultra extends Fitbit's already impressive personal fitness data measurement abilities, but for the same $99.95 price. Already a high-tech pedometer, the Ultra now has an altimeter to record stairs climbed, too. It isn't as advanced as more expensive mobile fitness gadgets, but the tiny device is easy to wear all day long and fun to use.

___ Motorola MotoActv Product Review: http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phone-and-smart/motorola-motoactv-gps-fitness/4505-6448_7-35163040.html?tag=newspapers CNET rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 (Very good) The good: Extremely versatile and possessing the flexibility of Android, the MotoActv tracks workout stats through GPS and a pedometer, and it even suggests energizing playlists. It also has Bluetooth for linking to phones, headsets, and other sensors.

The bad: This gadget costs as much as a modern smartphone. It's made for serious exercise and doesn't provide casual activity tracking or offer goals for daily activity levels. While the MotoActv's phone-linking function is nice, it only works with Motorola handsets.

The cost: $192.72 to $249.95 The bottom line: Motorola's incredibly capable MotoActv fitness device can tackle just about any fitness task--such as tracking workouts via GPS and connecting to headsets via Bluetooth--and it serves as a very tiny digital music player. But if you're looking for a simple tool to measure daily activity and provide holistic advice on how to shed some pounds, this training tool isn't for you.

___ Apple iPod Nano 2011 Product Review: http://reviews.cnet.com/radios/apple-ipod-nano-201\505-7875_7-34167346.html?tag=newspapers CNET rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 (Very good) The good: The iPod Nano costs less than before, is easier to navigate and includes more Nike+ fitness tracking capabilities. It's also still the best clip-on music player money can buy.

The bad: Many features have disappeared over the years, including video playback, camcorder, microphone, speaker, games, calendar, contacts, notes and alarm clock. The touch-screen interface is overkill, requiring more attention than the time-tested click wheel design without delivering many practical benefits.

The cost: $129 to $189.95 The bottom line: The sixth generation of the iPod Nano is the smallest yet, but it comes at the expense of valuable features and practical controls.

___ The following CNET staff contributed to this story: Senior writer Roger Cheng, senior editor Brian Bennett, senior editor Donald Bell, former senior associate editor Jasmine France, senior managing editor Kent German, and senior editor Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, please visit www.cnet.com.

--- (C) 2012, CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

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