NordicTrack is now offering free fitness equipment with an extended four-year membership. This new program, called NordicTrack+, is one of best deals ever offered by this Peloton rival. The $39 monthly membership can be paid month-to-month over four years, or for a one time purchase of $1,872.

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Peloton has set august 19 for its Grand Reopening with both Peloton Studios New York and Peloton Studios London. After a soft reopening last month, it seems Peloton is almost ready for the studios to be fully open to the public.

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Of course, the idea of sleeping with a robot is pretty strange. However, the SOMNOX 2 is based on solid sleep science, and the tech here is first class. While expensive, the SOMNOX 2 can provide huge benefits for those with sleep or anxiety issues.

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Here at Connect the Watts, we love tech. We love tech so much, you’ll be hard pressed to ever catch us away from a screen … even when we are working out. All this screen time takes a toll. The RENPHO Eye Massager is meant to relieve the eye strain and alleviate the tension that screen time can cause. Read on to see if it really does.

Overview of RENPHO Eye Massager

By all appearances, the RENPHO Eye Massager is a relaxation device, but it is touted by the company as a recovery device. The 15 minute cycles of massage, vibration, and heat are meant to alleviate tension and relieve eye strain.

RENPHO Eye Massager specs

Charger	USB to micro USB
Charging time	2-3 hours
Working time on full charge	120 minutes
Modes	5
Heated temperature	107ºF
Massage modality	Air compression
Bluetooth	Device pairing capable
Sizes	Adjustable strap
Remote control	Available option
Rated Voltage	5V/1A
Device Noise	<55 dB

Look and fit of the RENPHO Eye Massager

When first unboxed, the RENPHO Eye Massager seems like something far from comfortable. There is a hard plastic outer shell, and it feels heavy for something you wear on your face. But when put on, the RENPHO Eye Massager is actually very comfortable.

The synthetic PU leather that lines the inside is soft to the touch and not slick or sticky. I’ve been using the Eye Massager for a little over a month, so I can’t remark too much on the durability of the lining, but I’ve had no cracks or flaking of the PU yet.

For fit, the RENPHO Eye Massager relies on an adjustable elastic strap. This is a quality strap. It is 1.75″ inches wide, so it’s comfortable, and there is no exposed rubber even when it’s stretched to its max. The strap’s adjustability allows you to set it for a very secure fit, and its elasticity makes it easy to get on and off.

The hard plastic outer is available in white, black, pink, and limited-edition rainbow. For storage and travel, RENPHO employed a clamshell design that keeps the device very well protected. However, it doesn’t snap closed or have anything like a hook or strap to secure it when folded. This is a shortcoming if you want to throw it into a bag for travel.

Using the RENPHO Eye Massager

The RENPHO Eye Massager is capable of four different massage functions (referred to as ‘Air Pressure’ on the device) plus vibration, heat, and/or soothing music. The five modes it boasts are five unique combinations of those offerings:

• Air Pressure + Heat + Music
• Air Pressure + Heat + Vibration + Music
• Air Pressure + Music
• Heat
• Vibration + Music

The device’s selection of soothing music will not play when Bluetooth is enabled, allowing the user to stream their own audio or have silence.

When the RENPHO Eye Massager is first powered on, it starts the first mode listed above. Each tap of the power button takes the user to the next mode, in the order of listed above. The device always gives verbal confirmation of which mode it is in.

There is no control over the length of the selected mode. The RENPHO Eye Massager will finish after 15 minutes, verbally instructing you to wait a minute before opening your eyes.

Air Pressure

The massage function is controlled by six air compression bags. They inflate and deflate to massage across 10 acupressure points found around your temple, forehead, eyes, and sinuses. RENPHO Eye Massager air compression is able to give you a deep massage gentle enough for your face (as opposed to a device that uses rollers).

You’re able to select between soft and strong pressure when in a massage mode. There is a noticeable difference between the two. I prefer the strong pressure, but I imagine if I were using this when I had a headache or some other issue, I might prefer soft.

Vibration

The vibration is not continuous but short bursts of light vibration. I tried this once and decided it’s not for me. I’m sure there are people out there who’d like it, so it’s good the Eye Massager offers it.

I’m just glad I’m able to use the device and avoid vibration. It gave me an uncomfortable feeling in my teeth and tickled my nose.

Heat

RENPHO Eye Massager heats to between 104 and 107 degrees. The numbers sound high, but it is not an uncomfortable temperature for a heating pad.

I am a long-time user of heating pads as an aide in relaxation and headache care, and this is probably the most comfortable I’ve ever had on my face. It’s snug, temperature is consistent, and the material is soft and smooth against your skin.

Music

The music is canned relaxation music with some subtle nature sounds (I think?) in the background. For me, this is in the same camp as the vibration: someone may like it, so it’s nice they offer it, but it’s just not for me.

The RENPHO Eye Massager is able to connect to your devices via Bluetooth. If I choose to listen to anything during the 15 minute cycle, I play my own content. The sound quality isn’t superior, but it’s fine.

RENPHO Eye Massager: final thoughts

Using the RENPHO Eye Massager couldn’t be easier. And there isn’t much more you would ever want from an eye massager than what this offers.

After spending a lot of time looking at one screen, like the computer for work, it can be hard for me to want to move onto another screen, like the Peloton for a ride. Using the RENPHO Eye Massager for recovery between the two screens has been very helpful.

Personally, I wish there were more padding across the nose bridge. I’m much smaller than the average person, so I’d be interested to hear if others have the same complaint, or maybe it’s a “small face” problem.

The air pressure and vibration functions make a significant amount of noise. For me, it’s white noise that I actually find very relaxing. When using the Eye Massager, I will usually forego playing my own content via Bluetooth and zone out to the dulcet tones of the device.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the RENPHO Eye Massager has a purchase option to include a remote. The Eye Massager I used was one without the remote.

I do find navigating the buttons on the device a little difficult and could see a lot of value in having a remote. The price difference is less than $5, so I would absolutely recommend choosing the with remote option.

Overall, I’m a big fan of this device. It’s a piece of recovery equipment that I can use passively, and for me, that means I’ll actually use it.

Suggested articles:

• Review: Back Bay Runner 60 and Tempo 30 Wireless Earbuds
• RENPHO Smart Treadmill review: an excellent low-cost Peloton Tread alternative
• The best connected exercise bikes of 2022!

With a slowing demand and in preparation for a possible recession, Tonal has decided to cut 35% of its workforce. This follows Peloton’s recent decision to lay off an additional 570 jobs (now over 3,000 this year) as they move to outsource all of their manufacturing. Tonal currently employs about 750 people today, which is almost seven times the amount before the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Normatec has updated its popular compression boots with the newly released Normatec 3. The Normatec 3 features a refreshed design, reduced weight, increased battery life, and professional level customization. Best of all, the price has been lowered as well.

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After reviewing the COROS PACE 2 (which I loved, by the way), I immediately wanted to try out the the company’s premium GPS watch: the COROS VERTIX 2.

Given that the VERTIX 2 is currently three times the price of the PACE 2, I was curious to see how much more it offered and what additional features could justify such a large jump in price. Over a month later, here is what I found.

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Today, Peloton has announced that it will stop making their own bikes and treadmills, and instead seek to outsource all manufacturing. CEO Barry McCarthy said this is will allow the company to simplify its supply chain and fix its cost structure.

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Today, Hydrow is launching their brand new rower, called the Hydrow Wave, for $1,000 less than the original. At $1,495, the Hydrow Wave rowing machine addresses two barriers that previously were an issue for many potential buyers: cost and space.

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Today, NordicTrack has released their new “Elite Treadmill” featuring over 40 degrees of incline and a huge 32″ HD touchscreen. The NordicTrack Elite Treadmill is essentially an upgraded X32i with a new name, similar to the upgraded X22i we reviewed earlier this year.

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Given their similarities in both look and price, choosing between the Peloton Tread and NordicTrack 2450 can be tough. To help make the choice easier, I have put together a comprehensive list with over a dozen differences between the two treadmills.

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Peloton gave a teaser of an upcoming rower during their Homecoming event last May. Since no additional details have so far been given, I went ahead and put together my own Peloton Rower wish list.

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COROS is adding several new features, as well as a new public beta enrollment, for their latest firmware update. The new features being added to COROS’ lineup of smart GPS watches include improved app sync optimization, new distance units for the workout builder, Trail Run label support for Strava, and more.

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Peloton has expanded their popular Power Zone training program with two additional instructors: Sam Yo and Erik Jäger. Unlike Peloton’s other classes, members taking Power Zone workouts focus on staying in their individualized zones.

The addition of Sam and Erik brings the Power Zone roster up to six instructors – twice the size it was one year ago.

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As of today, Peloton has removed the video chat feature on the Peloton Bike, Bike+, and Tread. Previously, members who had added each other as friends on Peloton could start a video chat if taking the same class. While Peloton mentioned this feature would be taken away last week in comments on their Facebook group, the video chat feature has now finally been taken down.

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Liteboxer has launched a new shadowboxing program, Liteboxer Go, which uses punch tracking sensors that strap around users’ wrists. Utilizing Liteboxer’s full workout library, Liteboxer Go allows users to shadowbox anywhere they have access to a TV, tablet, or smartphone.

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I have tested and reviewed over 50 pieces of home fitness tech this past year. From smart wearables like the Apple Watch, to indoor bikes like Peloton, there are a ton of great options to choose from. With so much to choose from, it can sometimes be hard figuring out which should take a priority.

To help you out, I have created tier list for the best fitness tech in 2022.

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Altis, a connected fitness technology company, is launching today what may be the most advanced AI fitness trainer currently available. Similar to the Peloton Guide, Altis utilizes cameras with computer vision which plug directly into a television or monitor. However, compared to the Peloton Guide, Altis offers a significant amount of beefed up AI tech and features.

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The COROS VERTIX 2 is an advanced gps watch with an enormous amount of included features. We put together this COROS VERTIX 2 Watch beginners guide to help you learn everything you need to know. Check it out below!

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Here we are with another episode of the Weekly Watt, the podcast where we discuss the latest news and updates in connected fitness.

This week, Laura and Colin talk about the upcoming Apple Watch fitness updates, the new Normatec 3 compression system, Peloton bringing back in-person studio rides, and something strange going on with the Peloton Rower.

The topic of the day is home fitness versus gyms. The strengths and weaknesses of each and why some may prefer one over the other.

Listen or watch the episode below!

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From Peloton to FightCamp to virtual reality boxing workouts like SuperNatural, there are now lots of home boxing programs to choose from. Over the past six months, I have been testing them all with the goal of finding out which home boxing workout is the best.

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