But what if your shorts could tell you which muscles need more targeting as you strength train, or your socks could tell you how to adjust your foot strike on a run?
Well, they can.
A new trend in wearable technology is taking off in the running world—the seamless integration of tracking technology into articles of clothing.
Not only does this allow runners access to important information about their running mechanics, but it does so in the least intrusive way possible.
Athos Gear
$348 to $547 1 of 7
Athos Gear starts with the Core, a plastic Bluetooth device that snaps into Athos shirts and pants. The Core contains an accelerometer to measure speed and a gyroscope to measure orientation, so that when you pair the Core with Athos apparel, you'll get real-time data about how hard your muscles are working.
Both Athos shirts and shorts also come with built-in sensors. Once you connect the Core to your phone, you'll be able to see which muscles are working hardest and which you need to spend more time on.
Sensoria Fitness Socks
$199 2 of 7
Want to know what your foot strike is? Sensoria Fitness Socks track a number of metrics, such as steps, speed, altitude, distance, cadence and foot landing technique.
The socks are made with running-friendly technical fabric, have sensors inside the material and, when paired with the provided detachable anklet, transmit data to your phone like a Bluetooth device. With the Sensoria Fitness app, you'll get real-time audio feedback about your foot data and you can view a heat map to see which areas of your foot may be taking an unnecessary beating.
OMsignal Bra
$150 3 of 7
This smart sports bra, which will be available later this spring, tracks breathing, heart rate and calories burned. Though it will come with its own companion app so you can view all your data over time, it also pairs with many popular running apps for better tracking.
The bra, which has breathable mesh panels, adjustable straps and removable cups, also provides tips on how to burn more calories, when to rest or work harder and how to boost your stamina.
LifeBEAM Smart Hat
$99 4 of 7
If you're tired of messing with heart rate straps, the LifeBEAM smart hat is your answer—and your new go-to running cap. The hat measures heart rate, steps and calories burned, and then syncs that data to your phone or compatible fitness watch, all while never leaving your head.
It was initially designed to monitor the vital signs of astronauts and pilots and has a battery life of 17 hours.
Under Amour Gemini 2 Record-Equipped
$149.99 5 of 7
These smart shoes are your regular SpeedForm Gemini 2's, an everyday cushioned trainer, but with one new, exciting feature: a lightweight chip embedded in the right shoe that can track all your running metrics. In order for the chip to record, all you have to do is run faster than an 11-minute mile pace.
The chip can store five workouts at a time, before eventually syncing them to the MapMyRun app. The app will then show your distance, time, pace, splits and calories burned. It also shows how many total miles you've run in the shoes and gives you an alert when it's time to buy a new pair.
BSXinsight
$299.99 6 of 7
BSX Insight is a small device that fits inside a compression sleeve and performs a lactate threshold test, which measures the amount of lactate your body can handle before your running (or other exercise) is negatively affected.
The corresponding mobile app lets you see the data in real-time and provides a workout summary so you can understand the level at which your muscles are performing—or not performing—at various stages of your training schedule.
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