There are more and more devices that are helping track an athlete’s performance during training or competition. The Babolat Play & Connect interactive tennis racquet could help players avoid faults altogether. The racquet looks just like any other out there, but in the handle are sensors and electronics that can track performance. This can be downloaded afterward via USB or even streamed line via a wireless connection to a computer, tablet or smartphone for tracking of activity in real time.
This is reportedly the first time that MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology has been built-in a tennis racquet, but something tells us this won’t be the last. And while this information could be used to help train, it can also be used by those watching the game as well. A prototype was shown off at the French Open, where the audience could get stats on shot type, power and consistency in real time. Video after the jump
Reed Hanoun has dedicated his professional career to helping individuals and organizations get fit and live healthier lives, and in 2004, Reed seized an opportunity to shift from managing injury to helping people avoid them. That was the catalyst for founding MYTRAK Health System Inc.
There are plenty of golf apps, but this week Nike Golf came out swinging with the new Nike Golf 360 (NG360) app and website that promise to provide golfers with an innovative digital tool to improve, track and share their golf games. The NG3660 app is designed to be easy-to-use and allow golfers to track their rounds, while it also offers tips to help improve swing techniques via digital coaches.
The SDG Systems new Mesa Rugged Notepad has a colorful name – the RAMPAGE 6. It looks like it lives up that that name and this tablet can likely take a real beating. It features IP67 certification for protection from dust and water, and it offers a 5.7-inch display with a custom-built version of Android 2.3 Gingerbread. It offers users an 806MHz processor with 256MB of RAM along with 4GB of flash memory, along with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The Geo version will also offer GPS along with a 3.2MP camera. It will be ready for any adventure this summer.
While many cyclists watch distance, heart rate and calories burned another number to watch is the power output. This is a harder number to track however, but now the Laser Spoke might make it just a bit easier – and best of all this third-party device can work on virtually any bicycle.
While not everyone always knows where they are going, with MapMyFitness -the health and fitness technology portal – now offers several new features to help you find your way. These the new Courses, advanced integration of Google Maps API for Business and even a new look and feel. The Courses span five primary categories including cycling, running, walking, hiking and winter sports – with hundreds of subcategories and specialties such as cross-country skiing and unicycling!
Heads-up display system 
This week PumpOne pumped it up and launched the FitnessBuilder.com website, offering the largest collection of high-quality on-demand, streaming fitness videos for users on a Mac or PC. Additionally, the company introduced the ClassPass, a simple monthly or yearly subscription that provides users with unlimited access to all 370 full-length video workouts across iPad and FitnessBuilder.com. The ClassPass is now available for users of the FitnessClass App on iPad via the new update, which also includes support for the Retina display on the new iPad. The FitnessClass App is available for free from the Apple App Store for iPad, while ClassPass is available monthly for $9.99 or yearly for $99.99. 
We’ve seen a few new products to provide greater mobility for those in a wheelchair to get a little closer to nature, and now we’ve heard about the Power Caster, which enables those sitting in a wheelchair to regain the ability to launch a lure.
How do you know if you are moving correctly when it comes to specific exercises? We’ve seen various motion tracking devices and even suits. Now comes the Move from Electric Foxy, which features a special tank top wit sensors at the hips and shoulders that can monitor movements during exercise and offer feedback if the wearer isn’t doing something correctly. While still in the concept stage this could be Move towards the future of exercise. 
Any GPS can help you find your way to a seafood restaurant, but the Magellan eXplorist line – 310, 510, 610 and 710 – can be loaded with the Fishing Hot Spots maps so you can get a very personal catch of the day.