November 26, 2011, 8:20 AM — Making a big comeback in this year's holiday gift guide is the health and fitness category. Whether you're just starting out on the path of exercise, or are a veteran athlete, the number of consumer electronics products dedicated to a person's health has increased steadily over the past few years. Here are some of our favorites that can make a good gift under the tree for your favorite fitness enthusiast:
Watch a slideshow version of some of these products.
Products reviewed in this category:
Sport Elite muscle stimulator, by Compex
Jabra Sport Bluetooth Stereo Sports Headset, by Jabra
iHealth Blood Pressure Dock, by iHealth
SensoGlove by Sensosolutions
Sport i-20 sport strap, by Armpocket
BioBrite Sunrise Controller, by BioBrite
TCL 200 Digital Alarm Clock with Vibration Pad, by Amplicom
Sunrise Alarm Clock Advanced, by BioBrite
Zeo Sleep Manager - Mobile, by Zeo, Inc.
SPIbelt Messenger Bag, by Overton Enterprises
The reviews:
Sport Elite muscle stimulator, by Compex
This device is a small portable electrical muscle stimulator that can help people with their workouts, both for warmup or post-workout muscle recovery purposes. If you've been working out for a while, or if you're just starting out and need something to help your muscles recover faster, this device can help.
The device comes with a number of different programs, including ones that help with endurance, resistance, muscle strength or "explosive strength", as well as warmups, recovery and a massage program. The device comes with four color-coded cables that you attach the snap-on/sticky electrodes, along with instructions on how to attach the electrodes and use the device.
At $849, this is an expensive purchase for a person who may be just starting out on a fitness program, and you may feel that if you're not an elite athlete that this isn't for you. But I disagree - one of the hardest things to do when beginning a workout program is the recovery time for your muscles. If there's a device that can help you recover faster, you're more likely to stick with the program, getting you even more benefits to get you to that next level. That is definitely worth it.
Cool Yule rating: 5 stars
Price: $849
Reviewed by Keith Shaw
