Latest news with #Technogym
Android Authority
21-05-2025
- Health
- Android Authority
Oura rolls out a slew of fitness tracking updates and a handful of new partners
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority TL;DR Oura rolled out a new trend view for users' active minutes and GPS-based fitness tracking metrics. The company also announced new integrations with CorePower Yoga, The Sculpt Society, Technogym, and Open. Most features are live now, with some Android-specific updates coming in June. Smart ring maker Oura has announced the global rollout of new activity-tracking features. While some of these tools have been around since mid-April, other app and algorithm updates aim to further round out the Oura Ring, which was previously lacking in fitness tracking support. Several improvements are now live for both Android and iOS users, though some Android-specific enhancements won't land until June. As previously covered, Oura members can now add or edit workouts from the past seven days, and the app's Readiness and Activity scores will adjust automatically. Likewise, Automatic Activity Detection, which now works 24/7, including during overnight hours, addresses a previous limitation of the platform. Late night and early morning movement previously went unrecorded. The company also overhauled its step-counting algorithm, using machine learning to more accurately detect real steps, and updated its calorie tracking estimates to factor in heart rate intensity during exercise. Finally, Oura improved its third-party integrations, pulling heart rate data from Apple HealthKit and Android's Health Connect to offer a more complete view of their activity. What else has Oura announced? Today's announcement introduces a few more enhancements including a brand-new trend view for active minutes. This allows Oura users to monitor their movement patterns on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Users can also set their max heart rate in the app as well, which helps personalize heart rate zones for more accurate workout tracking. For runners and walkers, GPS-based metrics now offer detailed breakdowns of metrics like running splits. While most of the activity updates are available now, the new trend view and GPS-based activity metrics will roll out to Android users next month. Along with these updates to the Oura platform itself, the company also announced new partnerships with CorePower Yoga, The Sculpt Society, Technogym, and Open. CorePower Yoga now integrates with Oura to display sleep, heart rate, and stress data, helping users understand how their yoga practice affects recovery. The integration also includes a 15% discount on All-Access memberships. The Sculpt Society leverages Oura's Readiness Score to offer personalized workout suggestions. The partnership also includes cycle syncing, pregnancy, and postpartum support, and a 50% off offer for new users for their first two months using the code 'OURA.' Technogym's integration pulls tracked data like HRV, sleep, and resting heart rate to offer tailored training suggestions, and Open now uses Oura's tracked data to generate personalized recovery plans. With this update, Oura seems to be pulling more fitness features into its focus, and it's a timely move as competition in the smart ring space heats up. For Android users eyeing the Samsung Galaxy Ring (and its potential second generation on the horizon), these Oura improvements and the expanding partner ecosystem could make it the more compelling choice for daily health tracking. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Telegraph
15-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
The best adjustable dumbbells for upgrading your home workouts, reviewed by a PT
If you prefer working out at home than at the gym, a set of the best adjustable dumbbells are a great way to improve your strength. They're space-saving, as they remove the need to invest in a full set of iron blocks, while still providing multiple weight options. As a fitness journalist, PT and class instructor at London's Psycle studio, I've tested some of the best home gym equipment on the market, from fitness trampolines to smart mirrors. Resistance training is key to any workout routine. And with adjustable dumbbells' broad weight range, you can gradually increase your weight over time on various exercises, from heavy squats to light sets of shoulder raises. Powerblock, Technogym and NordicTrack all make their own dumbbells with varying functionalities, from simple control dials to a tablet-like screen. Expectedly, a high-end set of adjustable dumbbells can set you back hundreds or even thousands of pounds, although it may pleasantly surprise you to hear that some are less than £100. The best dumbbells: At a glance How to choose the best adjustable dumbbells Firstly, consider the weight range. Are you a serious lifter who needs more weight, or are you a beginner who will only need lighter weights? Weight increments are important too. Smaller increments of two kilograms allow you to progress more comfortably. The grip of the adjustable dumbbells needs to be comfortable and secure. A textured handle will be easier to grasp, but do consider wearing a pair of weightlifting gloves to avoid developing calluses. The adjustment mechanism is also a factor to consider. Pin-based selectors can be slow and fiddly, whereas a dial is a little quicker. A dial selector isn't quite as durable, though. Finally, consider the cost. Will you be using these every day? If so and if budget allows, it's probably best to spend a little more on a good quality, durable pair of adjustable dumbbells. How we test adjustable dumbbells I took my pre-workout, threw on my gym leggings and sports bra and put my body through a number of workouts. First up, I wanted to see how easy it was to change the weight. I was looking for a smooth and speedy weight adjustment that made my workout seamless. The weight range itself was also important, in particular the weight increments – with smaller being preferred for progressive training. I also wanted to make sure these adjustable dumbbells were safe, with secure locking mechanisms and plates that didn't wobble. Design was also a key testing metric for each set of adjustable dumbbells. I was looking for durable, adjustable dumbbells that could be stowed away neatly. My final testing point was the ergonomics. No one wants to be working out with an uncomfortable set of weights so I noted the feel of each dumbbell, the grip diameter and also the handle design. I explain more on the jargon in the FAQ section below. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From running shoes to exercise bikes, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best adjustable dumbbells of 2025 1. Best Buy Adjustable Dumbbells: Half Human 10kg There isn't much to dislike about the Half Human adjustable dumbbell. It's aesthetically pleasing with its silver handle, all-black plates and a black base, and it's exceptionally functional. The single handle twist seamlessly adjusts the weight with zero clunking or wobbly plates and the inner dial, boldly displaying the weight, moves simultaneously with each twist, so you know exactly what weight you're about to lift from the base. Much like other adjustable dumbbells, you can only change the weight when the dumbbell is placed securely into its base. But with these, if you're resting between sets, you can pop them down on the floor and thanks to their hexagonal shape, they won't roll away. I like the fact that these go up in two-kilogram increments too, catering for different abilities, but the maximum weight is 10 kilograms, which is fairly light. The contoured metal handle on this adjustable dumbbell offers good grip, although as it's metal it does start to feel rough on bare hands ‒ but that is part and parcel of weightlifting. Another minor downside is that these are sold individually, which means you're paying double for just 20 kilograms of weight. You may find the set of two 25-kilogram adjustable dumbbells from Half Human better value, depending on your weight requirements. Key specifications Weight range: 2kg to 10kg Increment size: 2kg Type of mechanism: Dial 2. Best Value Adjustable Dumbbells: Dripex 11kg The Dripex adjustable dumbbell is so well designed and user-friendly that anyone could quickly work out how to use it. The simple one-handed adjustment means minimal disruption to your workout. Just twist the handle left or right to select a weight between two and 11 kilograms. The mechanism only allows weight changes when the dumbbell is placed in its base, which ensures safety. When I lifted the dumbbell from the base, the safety lock clicked in, so there were no loose or wobbly plates at any point during my workout. The weight increments are a little odd, switching between two kilograms and 2.5 kilograms, but I didn't feel this was much of an issue to follow. I do think the 11 kilogram dumbbell may not suit experienced lifters who need more weight, however Dripex also sells dumbbells (set of two) that go up to 24 kilograms. The build quality of this adjustable dumbbell is excellent, with the handle covered in a soft rubber, which is comfortable and prevents blisters. Sweaty hands may feel a little slippery, though. The base is compact too, keeping storage tidy. Annoyingly, the price is per dumbbell, but as two single purchases come in at just above £120, these are still a great value option. Key specifications 3. Best Luxury Adjustable Dumbbells: Technogym Connected Dumbbells+ These smart adjustable dumbbells come with their own stand and a set of extra workout accessories, including a foam roller, mat and three resistance bands. The dumbbells themselves are easy to use. Simply twist the dumbbell handle to select your weight (clearly displayed on the dumbbell), listen for the click and then lift. The process is seamless and the non-slip, textured handle offers a solid, comfortable grip with zero slippage. The plates stay locked in too. Each dumbbell adjusts from two kilograms to 24 kilograms in two-kilogram increments, making them versatile enough for most strength workouts. However, advanced lifters may not find these challenging enough, especially considering the price tag. That said, I do think the tech features help justify the cost. The dumbbells require batteries (included), which enable you to sync them with the Technogym app. The app is great – it offers guided workouts and tracks performance data such as reps and sets. For those who are data driven, this can provide a lot of motivation. The included stand does take up a fair bit of room, so this isn't the best choice if you're lacking space in your home. Ultimately, you get what you pay for with these: an easy-to-use, comfortable, smart pair of adjustable dumbbells. Key specifications Weight range: 2kg to 24kg Increment size: 2kg Type of mechanism: Dial 4. Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Weight Range: NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbells NordicTrack is one of the world leaders in home fitness equipment, so I was excited to try out this set. Each dumbbell comes in its own tray for easy storage and the plates are slim and compact. The weight range spans from five to 25 kilograms with a pin selector mechanism, which allows you to change the weight by sliding a pin into the desired slot on the weight stack. When you lift the handle, the plates connected to the pin come up and the rest stay in the base. The pin can be a little clunky at times. The best bit about these adjustable dumbbells is how customisable they are as the weight increments are either one, two or five kilograms. This is thanks to a smaller plate with a separate pin that allows you to select a smaller weight increment. There is a downside, however. After lifting your desired weight, the remaining plates in the base regularly fall forward or back, which makes placing the dumbbell back into the base a little more difficult compared to others featured. A few times, I found myself having to hold plates in their place or I was realigning plates to fit into the base. If the plates aren't flush, then the pin system won't work smoothly. This can slow down quicker-paced workouts. In saying that, the quality of the plates, made from steel, is great and the textured handle is easy to grip. I didn't once feel the dumbbells slipping from my hands. Key specifications 5. Best Adjustable Dumbbells with Pin Selector: PowerBlock Elite Exp Stage 1 Score: 8/10 We like: Comfortable grip, great range of weight increments, colour-coded rails to indicate weight Who said dumbbells had to be round or hexagonal? PowerBlock breaks the mould with these square adjustable dumbbells. It's an unusual design, but one that works well. The weights themselves are essentially stacked metal rails and the handle sits inside these. A magnetic pin selector comfortably slots into gaps between the rails, allowing you to choose the weight you want. I did feel a bit sceptical trusting a plastic pin to hold the weights together but there seemed to be no budging of the rails. The weight range is good, spanning from a light 2.3 kilograms to a heavier 22.7 kilograms per dumbbell in increments of 1.13 kilograms. Yes, an odd increment amount but that's because these adjustable dumbbells work in pounds rather than kilograms, so the 1.13 kilogram increment is a more 'normal' 2.5 pounds. I will admit that I did struggle to work out what weight I was dealing with when using these, as every label displayed the weight in pounds rather than kilograms, which is something I'm not used to. The colour band indicators on the metal rails correspond to the weight chart on the handle, but as this was all in pounds, I had to keep doing mental arithmetic in my head to work out what weight I was lifting. Once you've figured this out though, it would be a much smoother process. The padded rubber handle was comfortable to grip and didn't feel rough on my hands, and despite the odd look of these, they still worked well overall. Key specifications Weight range: 2.3kg to 22.7kg Increment size: 1.13 kg (2.5lbs) Type of mechanism: Pin Adjustable Dumbbells FAQs How do adjustable dumbbells work? Adjustable dumbbells allow you to change weight settings using a built-in mechanism such as a dial or pin. Instead of switching between multiple dumbbells, you simply adjust the load on a single unit, which typically ranges from two kilograms up to 40 kilograms, or even more. The weight plates remain on a central handle and unused plates stay in the base. This makes them a great space-saving piece of home gym equipment as they come without the clutter of traditional weight racks. What are the disadvantages of adjustable dumbbells? There are some trade-offs to adjustable dumbbells. Many models can be bulkier than fixed dumbbells, which can affect grip and movement. It can also be difficult to quickly change the weight on adjustable dumbbells and they can be slower to adjust mid-workout. If you enjoy doing supersets or circuits, this might hold you back slightly. Some mechanisms can also wear out or stop working if used repeatedly. This is unlike conventional dumbbells, which are straightforward lumps of iron. How heavy should adjustable dumbbells be? This completely depends on your fitness level as well as your goals. If you're a beginner or you're focusing on lighter resistance training, a set of adjustable dumbbells with a weight range of two to 25 kilograms (per dumbbell) will likely be enough. On the other hand, if you're an experienced lifter, a set of adjustable dumbbells that reach 40 kilograms or more will be better suited. Bigger, compound movements that require more muscle activation, such as squats and lunges, will need heavier weight than single-muscle isolation exercises, such as bicep curls. What is the best mechanism for adjustable dumbbells? This depends on personal preference as well as what type of training you do and how often you need to change the weight. A slide or pin-based mechanism can be a little slow or clunky, whereas a dial-based mechanism tends to allow you to work at speed. What matters most is that the set of adjustable dumbbells you choose comes with a reliable locking mechanism. This helps avoid any potential injuries. Are adjustable dumbbells worth the price in comparison to a full set of fixed dumbbells? Yes, for most people, adjustable dumbbells offer much better value than a full set of fixed dumbbells. A good quality pair of adjustable dumbbells are a space-saving piece of home gym equipment as they don't require much room to store but they still offer a decent weight range. A full set of fixed dumbbells usually requires a rack and plenty of floor space, whereas adjustable dumbbells do not. Plus, if you ever need to move or transport a full set of fixed dumbbells, this can be a chore in itself, whereas moving a set of adjustable dumbbells, although still a challenge, is much less of a hassle.
Emirates Woman
29-04-2025
- Emirates Woman
Technogym unveils innovative dumbbells for chic at-home strength trainings
Life by Camille Macawili 2 hours ago Premiere fitness brand Technogym launches innovative weights of 12 sets of connected dumbbells packaged into one. The go-to brand for champions and training enthusiasts, founded by Nerio Alessandri, continue lead the game with a game-changing product that makes workouts even more seamless and intuitive. Built-in with a sensor, the smart technology customises your workout allowing you to adjust the weight (ranging from 2 to 24 kg, in increments of 2 kg) based on your training needs, analyze every movement and track performance for maximum results. The data collected through the Technogym AI Coach help you choose the exercise and weight and access a training experience tailored to you through the Technogym App. In true Technogym style, the design boasts of a sleek, minimal, and a elegant appearance. Its ergonomic and compact and includes a stand with an exercise mat, a foam roller, three loop bands, that allows you to easily store everything away after completing a workout. Founded in 1983, Technogym is a leading global brand in the fitness, wellness, sport and health sector. Technogym offers a complete ecosystem of connected smart equipment, digital services, training content and apps, giving every single user the chance to access a fully customised workout experience, anytime, anywhere: at home, at the gym and on the go. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied
The National
27-04-2025
- Health
- The National
From reading to running, reset retreats to try around the world
In today's world of constant connectivity and endless distractions, truly switching off can feel impossible. A reset retreat offers the ideal solution, providing the space and time to disconnect and recharge physically, mentally and energetically. In 2025, travellers are not only looking for places to digitally detox but also for experiences that fully immerse them outside of their daily routines. From soothing sleep retreats in Oman to full-body blasts in Sri Lanka, here are seven reset retreats in the Middle East and beyond. Endorsed by AC Milan, Siro One Zabeel is Dubai's 'first fully integrated fitness and recovery hotel' where footballers go to hit reset. With biohacking at its core, the five-star establishment near Downtown Dubai is the pinnacle of science and technology, with a slick 900-square-metre Fitness Lab gym and a Recovery Lab spa bursting with cutting-edge gadgets. Upstairs, each of the 132 rooms is geared towards reset and recovery, from thermoregulated mattresses to antigravity chairs for spinal decompression. Rooms are also fitted with projectors for virtual Technogym classes, while cupboards are stuffed with workout equipment and healthy snacks spill from the minibar. Guests can take on a high-voltage blast during some electrical muscle stimulation or blow the cobwebs away with a zap of detoxifying infrared light. From Dh1,233 a night, excluding taxes Slowing the signs of ageing is popular with many in the UAE, but an increasing number are now turning their focus inward. Longevity simply means living healthier for longer, and with life expectancy rising, resetting the biological effects of ageing has never been more relevant. Rosewood Abu Dhabi's 24-hour longevity and renewal retreat is a quick fix that aims to leave guests feeling centred and refreshed. The retreat starts with a 30-minute longevity consultation with a health coach, providing personalised tips for lasting vitality, followed by a 60-minute massage designed to release tension, improve circulation and enhance mobility. Guests wake up the following day to an early 45-minute session of morning yoga and breathwork, before a revitalising aromatherapy experience and a guided journaling session offering a chance to reflect and set personal intentions. From Dh900 per night, excluding taxes Sleep is the ultimate reset. Studies show that just one night of quality sleep can improve memory, boost mood and enhance overall performance. At Six Senses Zighy Bay, guests can forget counting sheep and tot up the mountain peaks of Oman's Musandam peninsula instead. The five-star hotel's programme has a sleep doctor who can use data from a personal sleep tracker to prescribe bespoke yoga practices, meditation, massage and nutrition advice designed to help guests drift off to the land of nod. The programmes range from three to seven nights, and if the holistic massage and low-intensity training don't do the trick, the Moroccan hammams, ice caves and stunning mountain views will certainly help. Sleep programme from Dh3,398 per person Many have sprawled out on the beach with a summer read, but a literary retreat takes the experience to an entirely new level. Typically hosted for intimate groups of up to 12, reading retreats offer book lovers the chance to escape to shared accommodations, where a mix of optional social activities and ample reading time create the perfect environment for a literary reset. It's a rare opportunity to read without distractions or guilt, embracing the joy of books without the weight of your to-do list. There's no set text. Instead, guests are free to dive into whatever captures their imagination, whether that's War and Peace or Harry Potter. The popularity of reading retreats has surged in recent years, with groups like Ladies That Lit organising trips for women from the Cotswolds to Morocco. Meanwhile, Reading Retreat, based in the UK, provides a similarly immersive experience, typically on British soil, for those looking to unwind with a book in hand. Prices vary Think of Sri Lanka, and it will probably involve being stretched out on a pristine beach. Not 7am alarms, intense boot camp sessions and freezing ice baths. But for those looking to hit reset, the island offers more than just tranquil shores. Makahiya Fitness in Unawatuna is nestled among palm trees and paddy fields where daily workouts, jungle surrounds and nutritious food are a reset for both body and mind. Top-spec facilities include a rooftop yoga shala, an infinity pool overlooking the Sri Lankan jungle and a poolside restaurant offering fresh, wholesome food. Away from boot camps, Makahiya also has a gym with top-of-the-range equipment. The boutique hotel, meanwhile, hosts a maximum of 16 guests across eight plush rooms and is just ten minutes inland from Unawatuna Beach. Retreat packages from Dh1,663 In today's stressful world, burnout is becoming increasingly common, often requiring a full reset to recover. If a few days on the sofa won't cut it, it is worth considering Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, a dedicated retreat designed to combat those heavy feelings of exhaustion and negativity. Located in Qatar's beautiful northern coastal region, Zulal's Stress and Burnout Recovery Retreat begins with an assessment to determine stress levels, followed by a bespoke programme that includes relaxing massage, yoga and pranayama, a nutritious eating plan and an exercise regime. Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) treatments are also available, including the Al-Batin stomach massage that aims to clear blocked energy. Offering packages over three, five or seven nights, the retreat encourages a holistic transformation that fosters a shift in mindset, daily habits and motivation. Retreat package is Dh2,772 per guest, per night Who doesn't need a break from their phone? Yoga Retreats & More allows guests to retreat like it's 1999 in a beautifully restored 1872 vicarage in Cumbria, England. Surrounded by rolling green hills, even northern England's grey skies can't dampen the spirits of the team, who organise regular tech-free getaways for the device-addled. Meticulously curated four-day detoxes involve twice-daily yoga sessions, sound baths, guided walks, cold water therapy and stargazing around the firepit. Shared meals, meanwhile, encourage like-minded guests to connect without distractions over a plant-based feast. With no Wi-Fi or social media in sight, this is the perfect place to disconnect, reset and rediscover the joy of living in the present moment. Retreats are held throughout the year, with single and double rooms available. Prices vary
Daily Mail
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The best new hotels of the year revealed by Conde Nast Traveller - from as little as £150
Glossy holiday bible Conde Nast Traveller has unveiled its pick of the best new hotels around the world - including some surprisingly low cost options. The brand published the Hot List 2025 after its experts spent a year travelling the globe to find the best new openings - including a Saudi hotel that transformed an abandoned mud-brick village, a pretty coaching inn in the Peak District and an Art Deco abode in the Big Apple. Three British hotels make the cut, including the glitzy Mandarin Oriental in London 's Mayfair - a sister hotel for the upscale chain's Knightsbridge property. The new hotel, a stone's throw from London's tourist centre, features hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper, Technogym work-out equipment and an 82-foot pool. Across the Pond, there's two new openings that have impressed in New York, including the spruced up Upper East Side's The Surrey, which dates back to 1926. Conde Nast Traveller's writer says the Art Deco decor in the Manhattan property is a vision of 'geometric details and muted pastels', with rooms coming in at £773. Across town in SoHo, The Manner is also big on swish retro, with guests checking in described as being everyone 'from 20-somethings attending Fashion Week parties to chic married couples reading by the fire, everyone here is either good-looking, interesting, or both.' A stay costs a cool £618 per night. There's been plenty of new openings in classic Med destinations in recent years and Conde Nast Traveller singles out its new favourites in the list, including a new One&Only property on the lesser known Greek island of Kea in the Cyclades. Rooms start from £1,415 but guests are afforded unbridled five-star luxury, with perks including Mediterranean-Asian fusion cuisine, the hotel brand's largest spa to date and even the chance to charter a 1967 yacht for a day. Prague continues to be one of Europe's most popular city breaks - and trendy hotel brand W has opened up in an Art Nouveau gem in the city Accommodation at One&Only Kea Island puts privacy first too; Conde Nast Traveller says: 'Tranquility is key; rooms are more like individual villas, and have private patios, secluded balconies, and 24- and 29.5-foot infinity pools'. Several properties on the uber stylish list are under £200, including The Standard in Singapore, where rooms start from £156. A new Austrian bolt-hole from trendy hotel brand The Hoxton group marries style with affordability. The Hoxton Vienna has rooms from £161 a night in the heart of the popular city break destination, with highlights including a Cuban-inspired rooftop bar and terrazzo-floored lobby, says Conde Nast. Another mountainous destination features albeit it with a home-grown twist. Welsh-born hotelier Grant Maunder is behind The Brecon, which sits not in Wales but in the Swiss Alpine village of Adelboden. The adults-only hotel is fully inclusive, with rooms starting at £650. Grant describes his latest opening as 'Swelsh' - a Swiss Welsh hybrid - although Dutch-based designers Nicemakers are behind the hotel's look. Owners of Le Dune Piscinas in Sardinia, Italy, spent three years refurbishing the island hideaway Two properties in Saudi also feature, as the Middle Eastern destination continues to try and woo Western tourists to the ultra conservative country with the promise of luxury. Dar Tantora The House Hotel has transformed 30 'abandoned mud-brick dars' into a premium stay in the ancient town of AlUla. Rooms at the red-hued hotel start from £462. Also in Saudi is a new Ritz-Carlton venture, which sits pretty on the Ummahat Islands, which have been dubbed the 'new Maldives'. Virgin Atlantic gave the destination a boost after announcing new flights to Riyadh, with Sir Richard Branson jetting into the Saudi capital this week on his Virgin Airbus A330 to promote the new route.
