Connect The Watts

I’ve seen it a hundred times, people start strong in January and quit by March. Not because they lack discipline, but because their equipment bores them to death.

Most fitness equipment ends up unused because it doesn’t fit how you live. The treadmill that bores you. The weights that eat up your space. The recovery tools too complicated to use.

The fitness deals below solve for what keeps you showing up when motivation fades: equipment that entertains you, fits your space, makes recovery simple, and shows you you’re getting better.

Grab these now and make 2026 your strongest year yet.

Read more: Best fitness deals to crush your 2026 goals

Best cardio: Aviron Victory Treadmill, Strong Rower, and Fit Bike

Sale dates: December 26, 2025 – January 29, 2026
The deal: Up to $1,100 off select packages, plus free hydration kit

Most home cardio equipment gets used for a few weeks before becoming furniture. Aviron solved this with gaming that responds to your workout, you control arcade games through your speed and incline, race against opponents, and compete on leaderboards.

The lineup:

• Victory Treadmill: 3.5 CHP motor, 12.5 mph max speed, 0-12% incline, 22″ HD touchscreen
• Strong Rower: Commercial-grade build with full-body engagement
• Fit Bike: Auto-resistance that adjusts in real-time

All three connect to Aviron’s platform with 1,000+ workouts including competitive gaming, scenic runs, and trainer-led classes. The $29/month subscription unlocks everything.

Why this works for 2026:

Willpower only gets you so far with cardio. On days when you’re dragging, the last thing you want is to stare at a blank wall while running in place. The gaming keeps you engaged in a way that makes workouts feel less like a chore. When you’re racing AI opponents or pushing to beat your last score, you forget you’re working hard.

That distraction becomes the difference between showing up and making excuses. You’re not grinding through another boring cardio session, you’re trying to hit a new high score. It sounds small, but it’s what keeps you coming back when motivation is low.

The New Year sale takes up to $1,100 off. If cardio consistency has been your struggle, this is worth considering.

Shop Aviron’s New Year Sale

Best strength: Major Fitness all-in-one power racks

Sale dates: Through December 2025
The deal: Up to $530 off select equipment, free shipping

The problem with building a home gym: you need a squat rack, bench, cable system, pull-up bar, and somewhere to actually put all this stuff. Most people end up with equipment scattered around their garage or give up because it takes over their space.

Major Fitness built all-in-one systems that pack a full gym into one footprint.

The lineup:

• F22 Power Rack: Combines smith machine, power rack, and cable station in one unit. Holds 1000 lbs on J-hooks, 700 lbs on safety arms, 300 lbs per cable side.
• F35 Folding Power Rack: Wall-mounted system that folds flat when you’re done. Full workout capability that disappears when you need your space back.
• PLM03 Cable Crossover: Power rack with dual cable pulley system. 15 height adjustments so you can hit every angle.

Everything works with Major’s accessories, lever arms, lat attachments, leg extensions, benches, so you build exactly what you need over time.

Why this works for 2026:

Convenience is everything when motivation is low. If your equipment is accessible and ready to go, you’ll use it. If you have to move things around, dig weights out of the corner, or skip exercises because you don’t have the right setup, you won’t.

These systems eliminate friction. Walk into your space, and everything you need is there. No setup time, no excuses about not having the right equipment. That ease of use is what gets you training on days when you’d otherwise skip.

The F35 folds against the wall when you’re done, perfect if you’re sharing space. The F22 and PLM03 are for dedicated gym areas where equipment stays put.

The Christmas sale is the deepest discount you’ll see. If you’re building a home gym for 2026, this is the time to buy.

Shop Major Fitness

Best recovery: Hyperice X 2, Hypervolt, and Normatec systems

Sale dates: Through December 31, 2025
The deal: Up to $200 off select recovery gear, up to 25% off select products, free shipping on orders over $49

If you’re training consistently, recovery becomes the limiting factor. The issue is that effective recovery has traditionally meant expensive equipment, professional visits, or both. Hyperice has packaged clinical-grade recovery into tools you can use at home, on your schedule.

The lineup:

• X 2 Knee and Shoulder: Portable contrast therapy combining cold (down to 40°F), heat (up to 121°F), and compression (up to 160mmHg). No ice, no cords during use.
• Hypervolt massage guns: Percussion therapy that targets muscle tension and improves blood flow. Multiple speed settings let you adjust intensity.
• Normatec compression systems: Dynamic air compression for legs, arms, and hips that reduces soreness and speeds recovery.
• Venom line: Heat and vibration therapy for back, shoulder, and knee relief you can use while working or relaxing.

Why this works for 2026:

Recovery is where small wins stack up. When your knees feel better and your muscles bounce back faster, you can train more consistently. That consistency compounds over weeks and months into real progress.

On days when you’re questioning whether to work out, feeling physically ready makes the decision easier. You’re not fighting through soreness or nursing injuries, you’re recovered and capable. That removes friction between you and your training.

The X 2 devices combine treatments that would normally require separate equipment or clinic visits. The portability means you’ll use them consistently, and that’s where recovery benefits add up.

These are FSA/HSA eligible. You won’t want to miss these holiday deals. If recovery has been your bottleneck, grab these now, you’ll want them ready when you start training hard in January.

Shop Hyperice Holiday Sale

Best tech/wearables: Apple Watch Series 11

Sale dates: Ongoing (currently $299, down from $399)
The deal: Up to $100 off

You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Progress tracking is what separates people who stick with training from those who don’t. The Apple Watch Series 11 turns your body’s data into information you can use, helping you stack small wins that add up over time.

The lineup:

• Sleep Score: Shows sleep quality based on duration, consistency, and sleep stages. Finally understand why some mornings feel better than others.
• Workout Buddy: AI-powered feedback that adapts to your performance and helps you progress faster.
• Health monitoring: Tracks blood pressure trends, heart rate variability, and cardiovascular metrics that impact your training.
• 24-hour battery life: Full day of use, 8 hours with 15 minutes of fast charging.
• 5G cellular: Stay connected during workouts without your phone.

The Series 11 runs watchOS 26, includes AI features that learn your patterns, and is 2x more scratch-resistant than previous models.

Why this works for 2026:

You can’t improve what you don’t track. When you see your resting heart rate dropping or your sleep scores improving, those small wins stack up and push you through low-motivation days. The data shows you’re making progress even when workouts feel hard.

Three drinks on Saturday tanks your Monday recovery. You sleep better when you hit 10,000 steps. Patterns emerge when you track consistently, and those insights help you make better decisions about training and recovery.

The tracking happens passively on your wrist, you get the information that helps you train smarter.

The current $299 price is the lowest since launch. If you’ve been waiting to upgrade or get your first Apple Watch, grab this now.

Shop Apple Watch Series 11

Bottom Line

These are the best fitness deals to grab before the January rush. When motivation fades in February and March, you’ll have the equipment that keeps you training anyway. That’s how you make 2026 your strongest year yet.

Suggested Articles:

• Hyperice X 2 – in-depth review
• Aviron Victory Treadmill in-depth review: solving cardio boredom
• Sharper rest on night one with the Pod 5 core

I’ve worked in connected fitness for years, and the hardest part of any cardio routine isn’t the physical effort, it’s showing up consistently. Most treadmills become expensive coat racks within weeks because staring at a wall while running in place requires an unsustainable amount of willpower.

The Aviron Victory Treadmill takes a different approach. Instead of relying on your discipline to power through boring workouts, it keeps you engaged through gaming, competition, and extensive workout variety. At $2,999, it’s positioned as a premium solution to the adherence problem that plagues home cardio equipment.

I’ve been testing the Victory for the past few weeks, putting in over 30 miles across different workout types. Here’s my full breakdown of what works, what doesn’t, and whether this investment solves the consistency problem it promises to fix.

Read more: Aviron Victory Treadmill in-depth review: solving cardio boredom

What is the Aviron Victory Treadmill?

The Aviron Victory is a connected treadmill built around engagement rather than just performance metrics. You get a 22-inch HD touchscreen, access to over 1,000 workouts, and gaming integration where your speed and incline control games, racing opponents, hitting rhythm beats, and competing on leaderboards.

Key specs:

• 3.5 continuous horsepower motor
• Max speed: 12.5 mph (4:48 mile pace)
• Incline range: 0-12%
• 22-inch HD touchscreen
• Footprint: 6.5 feet long x 3 feet wide
• Not foldable
• $29/month subscription required for full platform access

Hardware and build quality

Motor and performance

The 3.5 continuous horsepower motor handles walking, jogging, and running smoothly. Max speed of 12.5 mph covers sprint intervals for most people’s training needs.

Speed transitions are responsive, when you’re doing interval work and switching between paces, the belt adjusts quickly without jerking. That responsiveness matters when you’re following trainer cues or reacting to game dynamics.

Deck and cushioning

The deck has built-in cushioning that’s noticeably softer than running outside. After 30+ miles of testing, my knees feel better post-run compared to outdoor pavement running. If you’re doing high-volume training or have joint concerns, that cushioning compounds over time.

Incline

Incline adjusts from 0 to 12% via touchscreen or handle controls. The motor is quiet and transitions are smooth, no jerky movements when adjusting mid-workout.

Build quality and space requirements

The frame is stable. Minimal screen wobble when running at higher speeds. The handrails are solid, and the overall construction feels commercial-grade rather than flimsy home equipment.

One note: Some reviews mention the screen wobbles slightly at high speeds. I’ve noticed it, it’s there, but it’s not concerning or distracting. Doesn’t affect workout quality or usability.

Footprint is 6.5 feet long by 3 feet wide. This is a full-size treadmill with no folding mechanism. You need dedicated space, it stays out permanently. Make sure you have the room before ordering.

Screen and interface

The 22-inch HD touchscreen is bright, responsive, and lag-free. Touch sensitivity is excellent, no frustration when navigating menus mid-run.

The interface is intuitive. Categories are clearly labeled: workouts, games, metrics, settings. If you’ve used a smartphone, you’ll figure this out immediately.

Screen angle and size work well whether you’re walking or running, everything is easy to see and read from your natural position.

Software and workout library

Subscription model

The platform requires a $29 monthly subscription ($348/year). This unlocks:

• 1,000+ workouts
• All gaming features
• Trainer-led classes
• Scenic runs
• Interval programs
• Workout history and progress tracking

Without the subscription, you get basic manual mode. You can still use the treadmill, but you lose access to all the content. The value proposition depends entirely on using the platform, so factor that ongoing cost into your decision.

Trainer-led classes

Structured workouts with warm-up, working intervals, and cool-down. Trainers cue speed and incline changes throughout, clear timing with enough warning to adjust smoothly.

These work well if you want structure without programming your own workout. Show up and follow along.

Scenic runs

Virtual runs through global locations: Iceland, Swiss Alps, coastal routes. Your running speed controls how fast you move through the scenery.

Good for recovery days or when you want something chill. The visuals are immersive enough to keep you engaged without requiring intense focus.

Gaming features: the main differentiator

This is where Aviron separates itself. You control games through your movement, speed and incline become your controllers.

How it works:

• Racing games: Your speed determines character speed. Speed up to pass opponents, slow down and you fall behind
• Rhythm games: Hit beats by matching your pace and incline
• Puzzle elements: Different intensities based on game type
• Incline controls elevation changes or jumps depending on the game

Competitive features:

• Leaderboards
• Race against AI or real people
• Challenge friends
• Track performance over time

Why this matters: It shifts your mental focus. Instead of watching the clock and counting minutes, you’re focused on the game. Your brain engages with competition rather than counting down the workout. When you’re trying to beat your last score or pass an opponent, you forget you’re tired.

From a training perspective, this solves the engagement problem that makes people quit cardio. The gaming isn’t a gimmick, it works to keep you coming back.

Graphics expectation management: The graphics are functional and engaging, but not console-quality. If you’re expecting PlayStation-level visuals, adjust expectations. They do the job of keeping your brain occupied, which is what matters.

Metrics and tracking

Standard metrics: speed, distance, time, calories. Heart rate tracking via Bluetooth-connected monitor.

The tracking is solid but not ultra-detailed. If you want advanced running analytics (cadence, stride length, ground contact time), pair this with a running watch. For most people, these metrics are sufficient.

Workout history saves automatically. You can track progress over time and monitor improvements, important for staying motivated when you see you’re running faster or longer than before.

My experience with the Victory

I’ve been testing this for several weeks, using it three to four times per week for various workout types. As someone who’s worked in the connected fitness space and tested dozens of cardio machines, I’ve become particular about separating marketing hype from features that drive behavior change.

Setup and integration

The interface is straightforward enough that I don’t need to pull out my phone every time I want to start a workout. The OLED display makes switching between games, classes, and scenic runs simple mid-session.

Gaming performance in practice

The gaming works. I was skeptical. I’ve seen plenty of gimmicky fitness tech over the years. But when you’re mid-race trying to beat your score, you forget you’re tired. The competitive element creates external accountability that fills in motivation gaps.

I typically alternate between gaming sessions and trainer-led interval classes. Some days I want structured training, other days I want the distraction of competition. Having both options prevents the monotony that usually makes me quit cardio equipment.

Variety and engagement

The workout library depth matters more than I expected. With 1,000+ options, I’m not repeating the same content week after week. The scenic runs work well for active recovery days when I want lower intensity but still want visual engagement.

Practical considerations

The subscription dependency is real. Without the $29/month platform access, you have an expensive treadmill with a big screen. The value equation only works if you’re using the content consistently.

The space commitment is non-negotiable. At 6.5 feet long with no folding capability, this needs a permanent home. I have dedicated gym space, so this wasn’t an issue for me, but it’s a legitimate constraint for people with limited room.

How it compares

From an industry perspective, the engagement features are the best I’ve seen for home cardio. The gaming integration is more sophisticated than competitors, and the variety in workout types prevents the burnout that typically happens with connected fitness platforms.

Is the Victory worth the investment?

The gaming integration addresses a real problem: cardio equipment adherence. The hardware performs well, the software keeps you engaged, and the variety prevents burnout.

The main consideration is the total cost of ownership. At $2,999 plus $348/year subscription, you’re looking at $3,347 in year one and $348 annually thereafter. That’s premium pricing that only makes sense if the engagement features improve your consistency.

The value equation comes down to your specific situation. If you’ve bought cardio equipment before that became furniture, if you respond to competition and gamification, and if you have the space for a permanent setup, the Victory delivers on its promises.

Whether that justifies the premium pricing depends on how much you value solving the adherence problem versus just having cardio capability.

The bigger picture for connected fitness

This launch signals where the industry is heading: toward solving behavioral problems rather than just adding hardware features. Aviron has been smart about focusing on engagement mechanics that drive consistency rather than cramming every possible metric into the interface.

The gaming integration is particularly interesting because it shows understanding of what makes people quit versus what keeps them coming back. Most companies either go minimal on content or try to replicate gym classes at home. Aviron found a middle ground that makes psychological sense.

Bottom line

The Aviron Victory represents a solution to the cardio adherence problem. The gaming features are meaningful, the workout variety prevents burnout, and the hardware performs reliably.

Additional practical details worth noting:

• 1,000+ workouts included with subscription
• Works for walking, jogging, and running
• Gaming doesn’t require app dependency beyond initial setup
• Commercial-grade build quality at home equipment price point

At $2,999 plus subscription, you’re paying premium pricing, but you’re getting engagement mechanics that solve the problem with home cardio: consistency. For people who struggle with cardio adherence and have the space, this could be worth the investment.

The best cardio equipment is the one you’ll use consistently. The Aviron Victory solves that equation for home treadmills.

Suggested Articles:

• Aviron Fit Bike review – better than Peloton?
• Hydrow announces new Arc Rower
• STEPR opens community equity round after $25M in sales and retail expansion

Originally released globally in June, the Polar Grit X2, is now officially available in the United States. If you’re looking for advanced navigation, serious biosensing, and a compact build that works in the city as well as on the trail, this is one to check out.

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In this side-by-side comparison I’ll break down exactly how they differ, and which one you should get depending on your goals, space and budget.

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Nike and Hyperice have teamed up for one of the most ambitious recovery products yet: the Hyperice x Nike Hyperboot. These $899 wearable boots promise the same compression and heat therapy used by elite athletes, but in a form you can actually move in. I’ve been testing them for the past few weeks, and here is my full review on what they do best, who they are for and whether they’re worth the high price.

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So how does it hold up in the real world? Here’s a roundup of what some of the early reviews are saying:

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Reebok has officially entered the wearable space with the launch of the Reebok Smart Ring, accompanied by a major new partnership with F45 Training. The announcement marks a new chapter for Reebok, signaling a return to performance innovation with a focus on technology, data, and community-driven fitness.

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iFIT has issued a recall for its older NordicTrack RW900 rowing machines after reports that the screen console can overheat and ignite. The recall affects tens of thousands of units sold between 2018 and 2022 and includes free in-home repairs for anyone who owns one.

This is one of the largest connected fitness recalls in recent years and serves as a reminder that even premium, established products can pose serious risks as they age.

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Eight Sleep, best known for its high-tech temperature-regulating mattresses, has released a new product that takes its signature cooling technology to the pillow. The new Pod Pillow Cover adds active temperature control to the one area that has always been left out of the company’s sleep system: your head.

The concept is simple. Instead of creating an entirely new pillow, Eight Sleep designed a cover that slides over the pillow you already use. Inside are ultra-thin channels that circulate water to keep the surface either cool or warm throughout the night.

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STEPR, the stair-climbing company redefining at-home and commercial cardio, has officially opened a community equity round that allows everyday users and fans to invest directly in the company.

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Plunge has just launched the All-In Gen 2, an upgraded version of its all-in-one cold plunge. The first All-In was already one of the more convenient, “plug-and-plunge” setups out there. No external chiller, no plumbing – just fill it up and plug it in. This new model looks to refine everything that came before it, especially when it comes to cooling speed, energy efficiency, and app integration.

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And honestly, it’s about time someone figured this out.

With 25% of Americans dealing with knee pain and over 4 million reporting shoulder issues, the recovery tech market has been flooded with expensive gadgets that promise the world but deliver convenience store ice pack results. Hyperice just dropped the X 2 Knee and Shoulder devices for $449 each, and after looking at the specs, this might be the first contrast therapy device that doesn’t require a permanent setup in your garage.

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On its surface, HYROX looks like a fairly straightforward fitness race: eight 1k runs mixed alongside eight unique workout stations. However, this simplicity can be misleading. If you show up unprepared, HYROX can punish you in very specific ways, and small mistakes can quickly add up!

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In the world of high-performance recovery, there are ice packs and heating pads and then there’s the Hyperice X 2. This second-generation innovation brings clinical-grade contrast therapy (hot and cold treatment) into your daily routine, minus the hassle, wires, or buckets of ice.

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Remember when Kohler was just the brand your contractor recommended for that basic white toilet? Well, those days are officially over. The 150-year-old kitchen and bath giant just dropped a bombshell: they’re launching premium indoor and outdoor saunas this summer. Kohler saunas aren’t just another product launch, they’re a strategic push into the at-home wellness space.

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Xponential Fitness is trimming its portfolio once again, selling CycleBar and Rumble Boxing to Extraordinary Brands. The move follows earlier sales of STRIDE and Row House, leaving Xponential with six core concepts as it doubles down on brands delivering what is likely to have stronger returns.

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Once hailed as one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2022, the Vitruvian Trainer+ promised a revolution in home strength training, packing up to 440 lbs of adaptive digital resistance into a slim, portable platform. But less than three years later, the company behind it had gone quiet, stopped selling new units, and left its loyal user base wondering if their high-priced machines were about to become e-waste.

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Peloton’s latest earnings call actually gave investors something to smile about. After years of sliding sales, shrinking membership, and wave after wave of cuts, the company managed to do something it hasn’t pulled off in ages: turn a profit.

Q4 2025 wasn’t just about hitting targets. It was about showing that Peloton might finally be stabilizing. The results point to a leaner operation with a broader vision that stretches well past bikes and treadmills. But while the numbers are moving in the right direction, the story underneath is still complicated.

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iFIT is doubling down on gamified fitness, expanding its partnership with Ergatta to bring interactive game-based workouts to even more of its cardio lineup. What started with just a treadmill integration has now grown to include bikes and rowers, giving NordicTrack and ProForm owners new ways to stay motivated beyond the usual class-based content.

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Smart sleep tech brand Eight Sleep just launched a new feature called Hot Flash Mode, aimed at helping women manage night sweats and temperature spikes caused by menopause. As part of the company’s broader Women’s Sleep Initiative, this is the first smart sleep solution we’ve seen that directly targets menopausal symptoms. Here’s a breakdown of how it works and what the research says.

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