About the Author

Scooter Doll

Scooter Doll is a writer, designer and tech enthusiast born in Chicago and based on the West Coast. When he’s not offering the latest tech how tos or insights, he’s probably watching Chicago sports.
Please send any tips or suggestions, or dog photos to him at scooter@9to5mac.com

Muse S Headband (Gen. 2) review: Surprisingly effective digital peace of mind

Scooter Doll - Mar. 2nd 2022 3:36 pm PT

Reviews Muse

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Following the fall launch of the second-generation Muse S headband, I was able to try one out for myself and see what this “digital sleep pill” was all about. In addition to testing the Muse S headband’s non-pharmaceutical sleep support, I also took a look at its meditation guidance to find that inner peace we all long for. Here’s how it went.

FightCamp shares over 100 free workouts in its app to promote fitness in 2022

Scooter Doll - Dec. 21st 2021 6:00 am PT

FightCamp

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Starting today, connected home boxing and kickboxing gym FightCamp is releasing new, free content to the public through its app, which is now available for iOS devices. Workouts include boxing, kickboxing, bodyweight, and shadowboxing workouts plus tutorials. With its free content, FightCamp hopes to promote the benefits of martial arts to fitness enthusiasts and beginners everywhere.

Sanabul combat gear review: Sustainably built by fighters, for fighters

Scooter Doll - Nov. 30th 2021 10:51 am PT

Reviews Sanabul

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While we cover a lot of fitness equipment on Connect the Watts, it’s important to also be conscious of some of the gear out there to ensure you’re able to perform to the best of your ability without injuring yourself. That’s especially true when it comes to combat exercises like boxing or jiu-jitsu. Our review of Sanabul showcases a lineup of equipment and apparel built around quality and sustainability.

Rower comparison: NordicTrack vs. Hydrow and more

Scooter Doll - Nov. 26th 2021 5:18 am PT

Peloton iFit NordicTrack Hydrow ICON

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As the ability to assemble your own versatile home gym grows easier with each new connected fitness product, we strive to keep you in the know about what products are currently available and what sort of fitness technology is at your disposal. One of the established fitness machines to recently gain a lot of popularity is the rower, due to its storability and low-impact training. We’ve compared a diverse group of premium rowers from fitness brands like Hydrow, Ergatta, NordicTrack, CITYROW, and LIT Method to help you see where they differ. We’ll begin with NordicTrack vs. Hydrow, and go from there.

FightCamp is now available to Android users

Scooter Doll - Nov. 18th 2021 12:49 pm PT

FightCamp

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Connected home boxing and kickboxing gym FightCamp has finally expanded its app capabilities to support Android users. The new Beta version of the FightCamp app for Android is available starting today, and brings with it an ever-expanding library of workouts to an even wider fitness audience.

Impact Biosystems unveils Pact: a two-part muscle recovery massage system

Scooter Doll - Nov. 9th 2021 7:55 am PT

Recovery Impact Biosystems Pact

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Fitness recovery startup Impact Biosystems has officially debuted its flagship product called Pact, a two-part massage system that uses real-time muscle readiness data to expedite muscle
recovery. The Pact system is available for pre-order now before deliveries next year.

Delta Airlines is now offering custom Peloton workouts during flights

Scooter Doll - Nov. 1st 2021 4:25 pm PT

Peloton

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Delta Airlines announced that it has partnered with Peloton to provide exclusive in-flight workouts for its passengers on planes equipped with seatback screens. These custom classes mark the first time Peloton content is available outside of its app or hardware.

Muse launches 2nd gen. S headband that offers non-pharmaceutical sleep support

Scooter Doll - Oct. 20th 2021 1:45 pm PT

Sleep Muse

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Neurotechnology and meditation company Muse recently announced the launch of its second-generation Muse S headband for sleep support. This headband is a non-pharmaceutical alternative that uses real-time biofeedback to help you fall asleep and stay there. Should you wake up, the new Muse S now offers “digital sleep pills” to gently fade out its audio and cue your brain that it’s time for sleep.

Ride with famous people on Peloton

Scooter Doll - Oct. 20th 2021 1:00 am PT

Peloton

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Wouldn’t be cool to get a high five during your Peloton workout from your favorite athlete? What better motivator than to schedule a class with hopes of outworking Roger Federer or Diplo? Well… you can at least try. Below is a list of famous people currently using Peloton.

Ergatta Rower review: Style meets home fitness function

Scooter Doll - Oct. 7th 2021 1:57 pm PT

Ergatta Reviews

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I recently had the opportunity to try out an Ergatta Rower for some time. As a connected fitness rower, the Ergatta provides everything you need to get a substantial workout using unique gaming styles, but it’s the overall design of the rower itself that truly sets this fitness product apart.

Peloton announces Chris Cornell Artist Series

Scooter Doll - Aug. 3rd 2021 2:30 pm PT

Peloton

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According to its company Twitter feed, Peloton’s next Artist series features music from Chris Cornell, the famed singer from Soundgarden and Audioslave. The series will feature Cornell-themed classes both live and on-demand across the Peloton community.

Ergatta introduces a 3D update to its Race Workouts

Scooter Doll - Jul. 30th 2021 9:24 am PT

Ergatta

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Starting today, Ergatta owners will see a software update that includes new and improved Race Workouts. With the update, rowers will now see the rollout of a new competitive world, featuring a slew of new, three-dimensional courses.

Pluto custom pillow review plus exclusive interview with CEO Susana Saeliu

Scooter Doll - Jul. 20th 2021 1:57 pm PT

Sleep Pluto Pillow

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When you think of health and fitness products, a custom pillow is more than likely not the first thing that comes to mind, but perhaps it should be? These days, most health and fitness experts can agree that plentiful and effective sleep each evening is vital to a healthy lifestyle. That’s where Pluto Pillow can help.

I had a chance to try out a Pluto Pillow, custom-made to match my body type, sleep habits, and comfort preferences. To gain more perspective on how important your pillow is to a healthy night’s sleep and daily function, I was also able to interview Pluto co-founder and CEO Susan Saeliu.

LIT Method now offers a corporate and employee wellness program with discounts

Scooter Doll - Jul. 2nd 2021 2:19 pm PT

LIT Method

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Connected fitness manufacturer LIT Method has announced it’s now offering a wellness program discount for employers purchasing its Strength Machine and LIT ON-DEMAND subscriptions for in-office fitness. The discount also applies to employees who buy LIT Method for their home offices.

Energym has tripled its funding goal to produce its RE:GEN smart bike prototype

Scooter Doll - Jul. 1st 2021 11:49 am PT

Energym

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UK-based connected fitness startup Energym is only halfway through its crowdfunding campaign, yet is well on its way to full production of its smart fitness bike, the RE:GEN. The financial backing that continues to grow will be used in a number of different ways to help the young company expand, Energym says.

Echelon announces exclusive partnership with Pitbull

Scooter Doll - Jun. 30th 2021 1:17 pm PT

Echelon

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Connected fitness manufacturer Echelon has announced a new partnership with Mr. 305 himself, Pitbull. In addition to an investment from the the multi-platinum recording artist, the partnership will include other exclusives for Echelon members like a custom anthem from the perpetual hit machine himself.

FightCamp announces $90 million in funding from Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather, Usher, and more

Scooter Doll - Jun. 30th 2021 7:00 am PT

FightCamp

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FightCamp, a connected fitness manufacturer of at-home boxing gyms, has announced a $90 million round of funding backed by celebrities, champion fighters, and venture capitalists. FightCamp plans to use the influx of funds to expand its app to Android users, distribute FightCamp products internationally, and expand its library of workouts around boxing, kickboxing, and martial arts.

Peloton reveals 2021 All For One Music Festival lineup featuring unique classes, playlists, and more

Scooter Doll - Jun. 29th 2021 11:03 am PT

Peloton

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Members of the Peloton community can now get eyes on the lineup for the 2021 All For One Music Festival, including several popular artists being showcased across multiple classes over the course of three days in July.

Tempo introduces The Tempo Games featuring Olympic athletes

Scooter Doll - Jun. 24th 2021 11:53 am PT

Tempo

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Smart home gym manufacturer Tempo has announced its inaugural Tempo Games — a challenge for members to complete a series of classes led by athletes headed to Tokyo for the 2021 Summer Olympics. Those who complete the event might even win themselves a prize of their own.

Tonal introduces Screen Lock as added safety measure

Scooter Doll - Jun. 23rd 2021 3:20 pm PT

Tonal

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Connected fitness company Tonal has introduced a new safety feature called Screen Lock to prevent any unwanted person(s) from gaining access to your smart home gym. The new feature is easy to activate and will still allow others to work out on the machine using Guest Mode.

First look at Peloton heart rate monitor band with Peloton digital app

Scooter Doll - Jun. 22nd 2021 3:30 pm PT

Peloton Peloton Accessories Peloton App

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Following an earlier report confirming that Peloton will soon release its own heart rate armband, we’ve uncovered further details about how the band pairing works, all hidden within the Peloton digital app.

FORME announces exclusive partnership with Barry’s

Scooter Doll - Jun. 15th 2021 6:00 am PT

FORME Barry's

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Connected fitness manufacturer FORME has just announced an exclusive partnership with Barry’s that will be the first available content from the newly announced Barry’s X digital library. This is the first time Barry’s has collaborated with any connected fitness platform and will showcase the Barry’s X content library across all FORME Studios.

New mental wellness platform OPUS launches healing SoundBed

Scooter Doll - Jun. 14th 2021 11:53 am PT

OPUS

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OPUS has just launched an emotional sleeping platform called SoundBed that combines immersive spatial sound healing technology with full-body vibration. Combined with the OPUS app, the SoundBed will help future customers relax their heart and mind while being guided by a community of experts in various wellness techniques.

Tempo announces yoga beta category

Scooter Doll - Jun. 14th 2021 7:18 am PT

Tempo Yoga

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Mirrored fitness company Tempo has announced a beta version of yoga classes as a new category to its library of connected fitness content. As part of the beta program, Tempo has launched an initial 12 yoga classes, all led by head yogi, Jeremy Falk.

Ergatta introduces its own apparel line

Scooter Doll - Jun. 4th 2021 1:27 pm PT

Ergatta Apparel

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Connected fitness rowing manufacturer Ergatta has recently announced its own line of branded apparel, featuring t-shirts and sweatshirts for both men and women. The fitness company appears to be taking a play out of Peloton’s book in building an exclusive fitness community around its members and branding.

FightCamp review: A connected home boxing gym that packs a punch

Scooter Doll - Jun. 4th 2021 12:20 pm PT

Reviews FightCamp

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Recently, I got the opportunity to try out FightCamp, an all-in-one at-home boxing gym complete with an app and classes led by current and former fighters. The FightCamp kit utilizes Bluetooth sensors positioned in your hand wraps to track the number and output of each punch while you follow along with workouts in the app. Below is my FightCamp review, complete with a video, after going 12 rounds with this connected fitness product.

Peloton now offering digital app discount to students, military, and more

Scooter Doll - Jun. 3rd 2021 10:01 am PT

Peloton Peloton App

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Peloton has announced newly available discount pricing for Peloton Digital memberships. The discount amounts vary but will be available to students, educators, first responders, teachers, military, and medical professionals.

Energym can help us reuse our own energy from workouts

Scooter Doll - Jun. 1st 2021 11:55 am PT

Energym

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Fully Charged SCIENCE has put a spotlight on Energym, a UK based fitness startup that has created a smart fitness bike that captures and converts your workout into clean, useable, electrical energy. Given its increased efficiencies in how we reuse energy, the benefits can be tremendous. Here’s how it works.

Beachbody to launch BODi: A live interactive content subscription

Scooter Doll - May. 26th 2021 4:45 pm PT

Beachbody BODi MYXfitness

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Beachbody has announced plans to launch a live interactive subscription service this fall called BOD Interactive, or BODi (pronounced “body”) for short. The fitness giant has plans to utilize a unique fitness studio and personalized music capabilities to stand out amongst a crowded market of live fitness content.

Peloton invests $400 million in first US manufacturing facility in Ohio

Scooter Doll - May. 24th 2021 11:10 am PT

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Ohio has always been for lovers… but now, The Buckeye State is also for fitness equipment manufacturing. Peloton announced it will be breaking ground this summer in Troy Township, Ohio, for its first manufacturing facility in the US. The $400 investment in the facility should help the fitness giant expedite production and shorten its supply chain.

Best connected fitness products for the whole family

Scooter Doll - May. 20th 2021 7:37 am PT

Tonal FightCamp FORME Mirror

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Few industries saw as much growth as the connected fitness segment during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the circumstances were less than ideal, we learned that we can still work and workout efficiently from the comfort of our homes. With that said, it’s definitely easier to get a solid workout in at a gym where your kids aren’t stepping in your way or pulling on your pant leg. Luckily, several connected fitness products offer workouts that your entire family can participate in. Here’s a list of some of the best to check out.

Peloton rumors: New office in Ireland, possible EU expansion

Scooter Doll - May. 19th 2021 8:28 am PT

Peloton

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Rumors of a potential Peloton office in Cork, Ireland, have begun to swell after the company issued a proposal request in the city. The move could employ over 700 individuals in Ireland and has led to further speculation about Peloton’s expanded operations in the European Union.

Peloton temporarily closing strength studio for ‘some new and exciting things’

Scooter Doll - May. 14th 2021 12:05 pm PT

Peloton

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In a private post to members on social media, Peloton has announced it will be temporarily shutting down its strength studio to work on “some new and exciting things.” The closure is currently scheduled to run from May 27 to June 13, although new strength classes will still be released on demand in addition to scheduled encore classes.

Peloton instructor Kendall Toole shares her journey for Mental Health Awareness Month

Scooter Doll - May. 14th 2021 10:22 am PT

Peloton

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As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Peloton instructor Kendall Toole has opened up about her mental health journey that began when she was only 11 years old. Toole explained how she considers her diagnosis a source of power and how fitness has helped as a healthy prescription.

Peloton sales grow 141% in Q3, the lowest churn in 6 years

Scooter Doll - May. 6th 2021 2:06 pm PT

Peloton

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Today, Peloton released its financial results for Q3 of fiscal year 2021, including a 141% growth in sales. According to the report, more and more people are joining the Peloton community and are sticking with it longer than ever.

Tempo launches Android App with ‘My Plan’ feature

Scooter Doll - May. 5th 2021 5:21 pm PT

Tempo

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Connect home fitness manufacturer Tempo has recently expanded its app to Android and the Google Play Store. Furthermore, the “My Plan” feature within the app now gives both Apple and Android users the ability to achieve their fitness goals, whether they’re at home with Tempo or out and about on the app.

Security researchers discover leak of Peloton members’ private data

Scooter Doll - May. 5th 2021 11:12 am PT

Peloton

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A security researcher recently discovered that he could send unauthenticated requests to Peloton’s Application Programming Interface (API), exploiting a leak of private Peloton member data, including age, gender, and location.

Peloton Homecoming 2021: keynote recap

Scooter Doll - Apr. 30th 2021 10:35 am PT

Peloton

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Peloton CEO John Foley kicked off the company’s 2021 Homecoming celebration with a keynote presentation announcing some exciting new features and other news. This includes revamped programs, a Strive Score improved scenic rides, and the long-debated pause button.

Ergatta raises additional $30 million in funding

Scooter Doll - Apr. 29th 2021 10:12 am PT

Peloton

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Connected fitness rower startup Ergatta has announced an additional $30 million in Series A funding led by Advance Venture Partners and other industry leaders. Ergatta plans to use the additional funds to expand its content of game-based fitness, and further separate itself from a crowded market.

iFit launches mental health-focused content iFit Mind

Scooter Doll - Apr. 29th 2021 9:22 am PT

iFit NordicTrack ICON

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In today’s world, we have become more attuned to the fact that health and fitness extends past our physical selves. Mental health is just as important, if not more to our daily lives, our happiness, and success. To aid in this process, interactive connected fitness platform iFit has introduced iFit Mind, a new content library of over 300 workouts specifically focused on mental health.

Peloton to celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May

Scooter Doll - Apr. 28th 2021 11:34 am PT

Peloton Peloton Accessories

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Peloton will be celebrating the heritage of Asian and Pacific Islander people throughout May with themed classes, music, and exclusive apparel. Furthermore, the company is making extended efforts to maintain a welcoming community for all people.

Ben Alldis becomes newest Peloton Power Zone instructor

Scooter Doll - Apr. 27th 2021 3:18 pm PT

Peloton

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In an announcement on Instagram, Peloton instructor Ben Alldis revealed he will be joining the Power Zone Training crew as an additional member. Peloton made a similar announcement via Twitter.

Peloton class schedule for Usher Artist Series

Scooter Doll - Apr. 26th 2021 12:00 pm PT

Peloton

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Peloton has released the full class and content schedule for its latest Artist Series featuring Usher. This series will partially be a part of Peloton’s Homecoming weekend taking place April 30 to May 2 and will feature a panel with Usher and Peloton instructor Ally Love.

Smart home gym comparison: Tonal vs. Tempo and more

Scooter Doll - Apr. 14th 2021 4:01 pm PT

iFit NordicTrack Tempo Tonal ICON

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As a global pandemic accelerated an already booming home fitness industry, consumers are seeing more and more tech-savvy home gym options available to them. We at CTW continue to widen our focus and detail as many of these products for our readers. This includes products like the Tonal, Tempo, FORME’s Studio Lift, and NordicTrack’s Fusion CST. Each of these connected home gyms offers its own unique features and design. Let’s begin with comparisons of Tonal vs. Tempo and go from there.

Images hint at a new NordicTrack mirror gym

Scooter Doll - Apr. 9th 2021 9:42 pm PT

NordicTrack ICON

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A Google image search for NordicTrack Fusion CST has revealed a potentially new product from the fitness company that features a mirrored at-home gym unit. Several images have surfaced that suggest NordicTrack has a new mirror fitness product set to debut, perhaps just not yet.

Mirrored fitness comparison: Mirror vs. Echelon Reflect and more

Scooter Doll - Apr. 9th 2021 9:23 am PT

iFit NordicTrack Echelon ICON FORME

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As the market for connected fitness and available home fitness products, we want to widen our spotlight and showcase as many products as possible. One of the growing fitness realms is mirrored fitness. Products like the Mirror, Echelon Reflect, ProForm VUE, NordicTrack VAULT, and FORME Studio all offer workout content where you can also simultaneously view your own form. While they may look similar, they each offer their own unique features and design. Let’s take a look at Mirror vs. Echelon’s offerings, and compare some others as well.

How to book a virtual Peloton showroom appointment

Scooter Doll - Apr. 7th 2021 10:01 am PT

Peloton

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As we hopefully and cautiously travel down the home stretch of a global pandemic, the way we interact, work, and shop remains undoubtedly changed. Thanks to the unfortunate circumstances and advances in technology, you can now visit a virtual Peloton showroom from the comfort of your home before buying. Here’s how to do it.

Peloton announces Justin Bieber Artist Series

Scooter Doll - Apr. 2nd 2021 1:46 pm PT

Peloton

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Peloton just revealed that Justin Bieber will be the featured musician for its Artist Series. This month, Bieber will be the theme of some “Yummy” Peloton classes including rides, runs, cardio, yoga, and strength training. “Anyone” on Peloton can try them.