Best workout tech accessories for the fitness newbie in your life

These app-enabled workout gadgets make fitness routines less intimidating and more effective, as they guide you through the reps, track your progress, and motivate you to improve. Here are our top picks.

Smart Jump Rope Rookie by Tangram

For beginners starting on their workout journey, a complicated routine can be terrifying. Jumping rope is an incredibly efficient cardio exercise, and this smart rope makes it even more effective.

This smart jump rope connects to the SmartRope app via Bluetooth and is compatible with Apple Health and Google Fitness.

The SmartRope app keeps track of metrics such as jump count, calories burned, and a daily goal, which makes it useful for beginners to track their progress as they improve their metrics.

There is a built-in Interval Training setting for timed sessions to ensure a challenging workout, even for busy fitness newbies.

The app also has a reward system built in that incentivizes the user, and has options to join challenges with other Smart Rope users so they can stay motivated with some healthy competition.

The Smart Jump Rope Rookie is available for $39.95 when buying directly from Tangram or from Amazon.

Cubii JR2+

The Cubii JR2+ is a low-impact elliptical machine that makes it easier for a beginner to get active, even with limited mobility.

Cubii claims users can get fit while they sit using the hardware. This sit-down pedaling machine is meant to be used while at the desk, or even on the couch.

There are eight levels of resistance, so as the user gets stronger, it can still be a challenging workout.

The elliptical exerciser syncs with the Cubii mobile app, and the user can set daily goals and keep track of calories burned, strides, distance, and time in the app.

The Cubii app can be used on iPad, iPhone, and the Apple Watch. One thing to note is that the user still has to manually enter data from the LCD display into the app itself.

Weighing less than 20 pounds, this compact exercise machine can easily be put away when not in use.

The Cubii JR2+ retails for $249.00 directly from Cubii or $229.00 from Amazon.

JAXJOX Adjustable KettlebellConnect 2.0

For beginners interested in building muscle, this smart kettlebell is not only challenging, but it also tracks your fitness metrics.

The kettlebell has six-axis motion sensors to detect movement and tracks your stats as you use it. You can sync the kettlebell to the Jaxjox app to track your reps, calories, heart rate, and more.

The KettlebellConnect 2.0 is built with a rotating weight-selection core, which saves space because it's essentially six kettlebells in one. The kettlebell weight ranges from 12 to 42 pounds, and you can adjust the weight in 6-pound increments with the push of a button.

The app can be used on iPhone or Apple Watch. It's free to download and use, with an option to access unlimited workouts for $24.99 per month.

Buy it for $249.00 exclusively from Jaxjox.

Stealth Abs and Plank Core Trainer

Doing planks can be awfully difficult for beginners, but making it a game could very well take the edge off.

This core trainer looks like a body board with a built-in phone holder. It's all set on a 360-degree micro-movement sphere to work your core muscles from abs to obliques.

There are arm pads on the board to help cushion your forearms as you engage your core. It also supports up to 300 pounds, so it will be usable for many different body types.

The Stealth core trainer has free fitness games on its Stealth Fitness app, which you can connect to from your iPhone. The four free games are "Stealth Speed Gliding", "Color Chase", "Galaxy Adventure" and "Space Escape".

All of these games are played using your core strength to control the actions in the game, so it could make planking more endurable, and dare we say, more fun.

Buy it for $149.00 from Stealth, but look out for their $99.00 deals. You can also buy this trainer for $129.00 from Amazon.

Nucleus Core Pro Home Workout Equipment

For those new to exercise, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workouts are great because they're very powerful even in small doses. When paired with the Nucleus Core Pro, the results can be incredible.

The Nucleus Core Pro measures 15 inches by 12 inches and weighs only 5 pounds, and it's designed to be used with speed and safety in mind.

Inside this small and light device is a liquid with a higher viscosity than water, and this is the secret sauce to its effectiveness. When thrusted during a workout, it will cause corresponding resistance and thus build strength in the user.

The good thing about the Nucleus Core Pro is that it's flexible for all fitness levels. The resistance will be light if it's moved slowly, but as a person gets stronger and moves it faster, it will consequently get that much harder to push against.

There are more than 30 workouts included with the Nucleus Core Pro, so beginners will have a trainer to guide them as they use it and progress.

There are new workouts every month on the Nucleus Core Pro app, and it's compatible with iPhone and the Apple TV.

Buy the Nucleus Core Pro exclusively from Nucleus Core Pro for $149.00.

Upright GO 2

The Upright Go 2 is a small, app-enabled device designed to help you develop good habits to correct your posture, which is crucial to overall health and fitness.

This smart posture trainer adheres to your back between your shoulder blades. It sets itself apart from posture braces or straps in that there is no forced support, and your own body builds its own muscles to maintain a good posture.

Connect the device to the iOS app Upright Go 2 and turn on training mode to instantly receive real-time posture feedback.

Throughout the day, this small device on your back will gently vibrate when you slouch, reminding you to straighten your spine as a habit. On the Upright Go app, you can set your posture goal and track your progress over time, so you can see how you're gradually improving your posture.

It's only 1.89 inches long, so you can easily wear this to work or school without it being a burden. It can be charged via an included USB charging cable, and each charge can last up to 40 hours.

The adhesives are hypoallergenic and made from medical grade silicone, and won't leave marks on the skin. They are reusable up to ten times, and additional adhesives packs can be purchased to replace them.

Get the Upright Go 2 for $79.95 directly from Upright, or $79.99 from Amazon.