If you’re a fitness buff, then you understand the importance of diversifying your routine in order to avoid the plateau phenomenon or, even worse, the workout burn out.  Fortunately, there are ways to keep it fresh so that your workout keeps working for you.  Need some new inspiration?  How about some motivation?  Check out these five awesome gadgets for fitness enthusiasts:

Nike + iPod Sensor

Plug this amazing gadget into either your iPod or iPhone while you work out and it will record data about your heart rate, pace, calories burned and workout milestones (highs and lows).  Then you can upload all of this data through iTunes, where it is stored on the NikePlus website – a site that allows you to view your workout progress, set goals, and track changes.

Heart rate monitor

There are a number of heart rate monitoring gadgets on the market – from watches to arm bands.  This type of gadget is a must-have for anyone who wants to track heart rate changes while working out, which a good idea for any fitness enthusiast concerned with getting the optimum effectiveness from a workout.

Pedometer

If you have specific distance goals in mind, and are dedicated to reaching them, then you need a way to track them.  A pedometer tells you exactly how many steps you’ve taken toward your fitness goals.  Try the IDEAL LIFE Step Manager, out in 2011, which allows you to post news of your accomplishments directly to your social networking site accounts.

Nike + Sportswatch GPS

This groundbreaking sportswatch was created with the serious outdoor fitness enthusiast in mind.  Not only does it monitor all of your vital signs, but its built-in GPS technology will tell you exactly where you are while on a nature trail or hike.

UWaterG2

For all you swimmers, you’ve probably resigned yourself to not having a soundtrack to pump you up during your workouts.  Now you have an awesome solution, and this is not just your average MP3 player.  The UWaterG2 MP3 player is small, waterproof, equipped with a handy bathing-suit clip, and even contains a flotation device in the event it comes loose.

There is a lot you can do to upgrade the quality of your workout, outside of intensifying your routine.  Consider this list of gadgets the next time you face the fitness blahs.  You might be amazed at how much a small technological contraption can add to your workout regime . . . and you might even find that you can add “tech-geek” right next to “fitness buff” on your personal aptitudes list.

About the Author: Viviana Pankratz is a fitness enthusiast with more than 7 years experience as a personal trainer. She also enjoys technology and incorporating new gadgets into her routines. She recommends using email fax services and other online tools to make your life, both business and personal, a little easier.