Withings U-Scan At-Home Urine Analysis Device

Okay, this one isn’t an exercise entry, but it’s certainly one of the most innovative wellness products you can find. Introduced at this year’s CES show, the U-Scan urine analysis device does exactly what it says, namely, test your pee. But unlike your doctor who’ll do it once a year at your annual physical, the Withings device will do it every time you go to the toilet. That means you’ll get an immediate and wide-spectrum analysis of a long list of health markers on a constant basis and in the privacy of your home.

The solution is based on a replaceable smart cartridge that mounts inside your toilet, an easy process. Once it’s in there, it sends data to a mobile app and that data is both vast and customizable. A standard cartridge will measure up to 100 markers for up to three months using the Withings app. And those markers can be customized depending on what you need.

For example, women can use it to track hormonal fluctuations. Both sexes can use it to track nutrition and hydration and the app will even provide suggested recipes to help improve these markers if they’re below average. Withings is also promising a cartridge for healthcare professionals, so one day your doctor might prescribe a U-Scan and be able to track even more detailed health data without you ever needing to leave home.

But while the Withings U-Scan was shown at this year’s CES, it’s still not available in the U.S. since it’s pending FDA approval. The company says this process is well on its way, however, and is promising a U.S. launch in the second half of 2023.

If you’re looking for a complete workout, you’ll want kettlebells. Though they’re classed as free weights, kettlebells have a spherical shape with a top-mount handle. That means a different lifting motion with the weight more evenly dispersed between each side if you’re lifting it with two hands. With a kettlebell, you can access a broader spectrum of motions, including swings and routines that isolate different muscle groups than dumbbells.

If all that sounds attractive, then just like Hock’s dumbbell set, LOVA kettlebells from Pent Fitness represent the highest and most luxurious end of this equipment category. Unlike standard kettlebells, which tend to be all metal and painted in a pretty hideous matte black, LOVA kettlebells are constructed from steel and welloiled

American walnut, which means they feel nicer to the touch and look better in the den. They come with a standard wooden platform (also walnut), though these hold only individual kettlebells. So if you need more than one, you’ll want to look at one of several optional stands that can hold between four and eight kettlebells each.

And if you like that steel-and-walnut look, know that the company also makes other, equally attractive, matching exercise equipment including jump ropes and fitness mats, so you can build a very pretty home gym from a single manufacturer.

The WalkingPad X21 was one of the most popular exercise devices displayed at this year’s CES show. It garnered popularity because it folds, making it the most space-efficient treadmill on the market. And it doesn’t just fold once; it folds twice. First, on the horizontal axis to reduce the size of the actual treadmill, but then on the vertical so it can be stored either stood-up or easily slid under a bed.

But it’s not just compact; it’s smart, even by advanced treadmill standards. A single knob on the central crossbar lets you control speed and resistance. NFC intelligent sensors let you connect to various devices to track your fitness data in realtime. There’s also a phone rest on the crossbar so you can follow your tracking info or watch online workout videos.

You can get other WalkingPads, which are differentiated mainly by their top speed, but the X21 is the top of the line because of its double-fold feature and top speed of 7.4mph. Finally, there are several accessories you can get, the neatest of which is a height-adjustable desk so you can walk and work simultaneously.

If you need a total home gym in one device and have the budget, check out Tonal. At first glance, it looks like a slightly different version of the lululemon Studio, and that’s an accurate assessment—for the most part.

But, the Tonal has a few things you won’t find with the Studio. For one, it comes with two pull arms that provide up to 200 lbs of resistance. These work independently or in sync with specific onscreen workout routines. But the sexy feature is Tonal’s use of artificial intelligence (AI).

The AI uses 17 different sensors built into the Tonal that give insight into your strength levels, form, and range of motion, providing real-time feedback while learning. The AI tracks everything from what resistance you should be using (including upping it if it feels you’re ready) to how many reps you should do.

The display and the monthly subscription give access to a wide array of classes but also let you opt for individual coach-guided workouts or partner workouts if you’ve got a friend that also has a Tonal. There are also several accessories you can buy, like a pull-down bar, weight bench, ankle straps, and handles. Some of these are Bluetooth enabled so you can turn the digital weight feature on or off with the press of a button.

You’ll need WiFi to work the Tonal, which is true for the Studio and most similar devices. But you’ll also need professional installation with this one, which some won’t need with the Studio.