The Best Fitness Gadgets To Improve Your Running

Running and the use of technology have both boomed in recent years, so there’s no surprise to see that many runners are now looking at the latest electronics and gadgets to help improve their running and make it more enjoyable. If you are trying to navigate what is worth buying for your specific running needs, check out our guide on our favourite running gadgets below for a closer look at how they work and how they could help improve your running.

A GPS sports watch is our favourite running gadget because they are so versatile and can be used for both fitness and lifestyle reasons.  Whether you are completely new to running, a casual runner or training for your next race, sports watches come with an array of useful features that will help transform your running and fitness. 

Use them to track calories burned, heart rate, running routes, distance, pace and time so you can see how you are performing and improving from one run to the next. Most GPS running watches, like the popular range from Garmin, will also connect with your smartphone so you can stay connected and access your apps.

• Take a look at our running watch buying guide.

For podcast and music lovers, wirless headphones will be your go-to running gadget. With wireless headphones, you will be able to connect your phone via bluetooth for a hassle-free run without the worry of nuisance wires. Running armbands, belts and waist packs are all great and easy options for carrying your phone whilst you run. Listening to music while exercising can be really good to keep you motivated and focused. It can also boost your mood and be really uplifting - an absolute must for when the weather turns or your energy starts to drop!

• Take a look at our wireless headphones buying guide.

Investing in a good pair of running headphones is an important decision so it's worth considering a few things before you buy your first pair:

• Firstly, are they lightweight and do they fit securely? Running headphones need to be comfortable and not bounce around.
• Are they easy to use? For example, can you adjust the volume easily enough? 
• Can you still hear what is going on around you? It's important that you're able to still hear cars, noises and other people. 

Head torches are a great gadget not only for running, but also for a wide variety of uses including hiking, cycling and camping, making them a great investment. They allow you to run safely in the dark, which can be incredibly useful for run commuting or for running during winter. 

Before you buy a head torch, make sure you consider the weight, durability and whether it is waterproof or not. It's also important to look at how long the battery lasts and the brightness level. If you are trail running at night for example, you'll need to make sure you have a good amount of brightness so you can clearly see any uneven grounding or roots.

• Take a look at our in-depth head torch buying guide.

A muscle massage gun increases the blood flow to a specific area through repetitive pulses that can alleviate soreness. They are a great gadget for recovery and injury prevention in all sports, but for runners in particular, they can help reduce common problems such as tight and sore muscles.

A more affordable option is a foam roller. You can use your own body weight to massage your muscles so they can be a great option if you want to be in control of the intensity of pressure. Foam rolling helps increase circulation and release tense points in your body.

• Take a look at our foam roller buying guide.