Smart Fitness Device Activ5 Now Available From Apple

[MacRumors]

Apple retail stores and the Apple online store are now carrying the Activ5, a fitness device designed by Activbody.

Described as a portable isometric-based strength training device with digital coaching, the Activ5 coaches users through each isometric exercise, measures maximum strength for each exercise, and communicates this to an iPhone.

The device itself is a small pad that's outfitted with a number of pressure sensors inside.

The Activ5 is personalized to each user to create a challenging but achievable workout. Each workout pose is demonstrated in the app, and the device itself is able to tell users to push harder or less hard throughout the workout. Every detail of the workout is tracked via the app, providing fitness stats for each exercise.

There are more than 100 full body workouts available based on isometric exercises, which are designed around contractions of a specific muscle or group of muscles. Activbody says that the average strength gain for Activ5 users is 30 percent.

Because the Activ5 is portable, it can be taken to work, used at home, used in a bar, a plane seat, or anywhere else with workouts provided for different situations. Exercise is gamified through various games you can play in the app.

The Activ5 has an Apple Watch app to untether workouts from the iPhone, and it integrates with Apple's HealthKit so workout information is uploaded to the Health app. The Apple Watch app offers up exercise and heart rate tracking as well as calculating calories burned.

The Activ5 can be purchased from the Apple online store and Apple retail stores starting today for $130.

Article Link: Smart Fitness Device Activ5 Now Available From Apple

 

[thisisnotmyname]

isometric only? This seems like a super limited set of functionality then.

 

[basher]

This looks really cool. I can see how this matched up with Apple Watch could be amazing.

 

[jcshas]

I'm both skeptical and interested in what this device can do.

 

[Lupaie]

I really loved the Nintendo Fit Board with the associated games and fitness programs. Isn’t there a simular app and device available for ios?

 

[Eriamjh1138@DAN]

I'm both skeptical and interested in what this device can do.

It does nothing but measure force.

Seriously, this device is nothing but electronics added to a hockey puck. You can improve yourself and save the $130 without this garbage. You don’t need an expensive gadget to “measure” your progress. Use measuring tape, a body scale, and pictures of how to you look to gage progress.

I feel like we are back in the age of snake oil and lying salesman.

What a bunch of crap.

 

[kaz911]

It seems to be the leftovers of the TAO Wellness : https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/814592424/tao-turn-downtime-into-exercise-timetm/description

Even their old URL forwards to Activ5 - http://www.tao-wellness.com/

TAO has not communicated to their backers since 2016.

TAO was founded by Philo Northrup & Dr. Kosta Yanev - which seems both to be founders of Activ5.

 

[sjinsjca]

It does nothing but measure force. [snip] What a bunch of crap.

Not quite sure I agree. Sure, you can achieve the same thing with (as you say) a tape measure etc. But being "coached" through a workout and collecting heart rate info and other biometrics is broadly useful. The cost isn't high and perhaps for some the kick to motivation and the feedback would be beneficial. Frankly, this seems cool, but it's okay if you don't think so for your case.

 

[B-Dizzy]

It does nothing but measure force.

Seriously, this device is nothing but electronics added to a hockey puck. You can improve yourself and save the $130 without this garbage. You don’t need an expensive gadget to “measure” your progress. Use measuring tape, a body scale, and pictures of how to you look to gage progress.

I feel like we are back in the age of snake oil and lying salesman.

What a bunch of crap.

Seriously! Also, if you plan to get fit by pushing your hands together or whatever this is pretending to do, you will be sorely disappointed. This one beats out the shake weights and ab stimulators by extreme margins. $130 for a chunk of plastic that you push on.

 

[Braderunner]

Isometric exercises can be done with zero equipment. I mean...come on!

 

[telecomm]

The device itself is a small pad

Yes it is. Compelling.

 

[QCassidy352]

I'm both skeptical and interested in what this device can do.

I'm both skeptical and highly skeptical of what this device can do.

 

[pondhopper]

It does nothing but measure force.

Seriously, this device is nothing but electronics added to a hockey puck. You can improve yourself and save the $130 without this garbage. You don’t need an expensive gadget to “measure” your progress. Use measuring tape, a body scale, and pictures of how to you look to gage progress.

I feel like we are back in the age of snake oil and lying salesman.

What a bunch of crap.

Gauge

 

[TwoBytes]

This looks like something that doesn't work that QVC would sell, only with an Apple price tag.

 

[Zoboomafoo]

It does nothing but measure force.

Seriously, this device is nothing but electronics added to a hockey puck. You can improve yourself and save the $130 without this garbage. You don’t need an expensive gadget to “measure” your progress. Use measuring tape, a body scale, and pictures of how to you look to gage progress.

I feel like we are back in the age of snake oil and lying salesman.

What a bunch of crap.

Ugh. The iPhone is nothing but electronics added to a hockey puck.

If people feel empowered/less discouraged by tracking their performance in a manner like this, this is an awesome tool. Not everyone needs such motivation. Good for them.

 

[BootsWalking]

I need a digital coach to yell at me every time I open the refrigerator door.

 

[centauratlas]

Interesting. I had thought it was some type of balance ball/pad. Now it looks like a lot of $ for little.

 

[chipb]

It does nothing but measure force.

Seriously, this device is nothing but electronics added to a hockey puck. You can improve yourself and save the $130 without this garbage. You don’t need an expensive gadget to “measure” your progress. Use measuring tape, a body scale, and pictures of how to you look to gage progress.

I feel like we are back in the age of snake oil and lying salesman.

What a bunch of crap.

I think I agree with you 100%

 

[macdisciple]

You are paying for the real time feedback which can motivate some people. I think I can see the value.

 

[joueboy]

This is like the one you show from infomercials every year that Americans fall for it all the time. The only concept that is effective to lost weight is if you ear more than you need you need to burn them off like getting active, but if you don't like being active then you need to eat less.

 

[Ries]

A stupid product for morons who have no clue. You would be way better off with just a pull up bar and body exercises.

 

[ececlv]

A stupid product for morons who have no clue. You would be way better off with just a pull up bar and body exercises.

Perhaps, but it may be more fun or impactful for some people. Millions of people pay hundreds of dollars annually to run on city streets (races) when you can do it for free.

 

[jmerrilljr]

Perhaps, but it may be more fun or impactful for some people. Millions of people pay hundreds of dollars annually to run on city streets (races) when you can do it for free.

Amazon has been selling this for some time. There are lots of reviews posted there.

 

[JetTester]

I’m doing isometrics now - pressing my butt against the seat of my recliner. Just saved $130!

 

[Chilton3]

So this is digital Charles Atlas.
Got it.