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Bored with the gym? These 3 gadgets are game changers for my motivation

AnyFans 2025-09-16

By Ashley Thieme

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Music for motivation

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Everyone listens to music while they work out. I must have at least 20 workout playlists on my Spotify account, but having the right gear to listen with will make all the difference.

Sometimes, total noise cancellation from headphones can help you to lock in, but I prefer open-earbuds. If you are a runner, this style works especially well to ensure you remain aware of your surroundings at all times. This means that you can make space for other runners and stay safe in high-traffic areas near roads.

JLab Epic Open Sport: was $114 now $99 at Amazon
The JLab Epic Open Sport have quickly become my most reliable pair of workout earbuds. They have never let me down, and whether I’m out running or taking my dog for a walk, they offer ambient sound awareness that keeps me feeling safe. While they’re not for audiophiles, they have a decent, balanced sound profile to keep you feeling motivated.

My current favorite pair is the JLab Epic Open Sport open-earbuds. I keep going back to them because, although they may not have audiophile-level sound quality, they are extremely comfortable and secure when working out — and that’s what matters most in running headphones. The choice between touch-sensitive or button controls also makes them more tactile and much easier to operate when you’re moving.
Tracking for accountability

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To make sure I stay on top of my goals, I need something to keep me accountable. That’s where the Amazfit Bip 6 smartwatch comes in. A smartwatch is the perfect way to track your progress and see how your body is reacting to increased activity over time.

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Although this smartwatch is super affordable, it tracks everything accurately and gives very effective feedback in the companion app. There is a lot of control over your metrics and how you action the feedback the watch is giving you, making wearing the Bip 6 a personalized experience.

Amazfit Bip 6: was $79 now $69 at Amazon
The Amazfit Bip 6 smartwatch is the ideal workout companion for data junkies. It can track your sleep, readiness, and workouts with ease and even gives you feedback on how to enhance your fitness results. The budget price tag of this watch says nothing about its performance, as it can deliver all of your metrics in an easily digestible format through the companion app.

The Bip 6 also tracks sleep, so it can give you a good idea of how your body is recovering after working out, too. Getting enough rest in between sessions really is half the battle in staying consistent with your routine — if you burn yourself out too quickly, you’re going to give up a lot faster.
Relaxing recovery

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One thing that puts a lot of people off regularly going to the gym is the time it takes for recovery. Walking around with sore muscles for two days after leg day is rough. So just like with tracking sleep, having effective recovery methods is going to make sure you’re ready for your next session even sooner.
The Hyperice Venom Go has become a staple in my post-run routine. As someone who has tried everything to get over everyday aches and pains, this device, though small, has made the biggest difference.

Hyperice Venom Go: $129 at Amazon
The Hyperice Venom Go has changed the way I recover after every workout. It uses heat and vibrations to relax muscles and relieve tension and any pain in the area. The device is super simple to set up and can be controlled through the companion app, making your recovery completely personalized.

I know that if I use it to soothe my muscles after a run or a weighted session, I feel far better the next day. It uses heat and vibration patterns to relax and soothe the muscles by encouraging a higher rate of blood flow in the area to effectively regenerate the muscles. Being able to quickly relieve tension means I can up the intensity without worrying too much about the effects.
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Ashley Thieme

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Staff writer, Reviews

Ashley is a staff writer on the the Reviews team at Tom’s Guide. She has a master’s degree in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and a BA in Journalism, Media and Sociology. She has written for titles including Women’s Health UK, writing health and wellness stories, and Virgin Radio UK, specializing in entertainment news and celebrity interviews. She has reported on a variety of topics including music, literature, motorsport, entertainment and health, and has her own bookish newsletter, Ashley’s Reading Nook.She has previously reviewed live music events, books, and wellness products but finding the best way to listen to new music releases is essential for Ashley, so discovering the top audio equipment on the market is what she does best.When she is not testing out the latest tech, you can find her either curled up with a cup of tea and a good fantasy novel or out hiking.

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