Technology is advancing quickly in today’s society. Every month there seems to be a new type of cell phone or mp3 player. Sport gadgets also seem to be keeping up with today’s technological trends. Below are some devices that may help athletes with their physical activities.

For anyone who is training for a marathon, the new Heart Rate Monitor, Mark of Fitness MF 180 ($69.97), can be used for walking, jogging and running and can help those trying to improve their overall fitness.

The MF 180 includes functions that will alert the user of their heart rate and sound an alarm when their heart rate is outside the target zone. The monitor can also display the user’s percentage of maximum heart rate, the time, a stopwatch, a lap mode and a count-up timer. The monitor includes a bicycle adapter and a nylon storage bag.

For hydration needs, there’s the new Hydracoach Intelligent Water Bottle ($29.99). The Hydracoach calculates the hydration needs of the individual by generated electronic pulse technology to help users drink the optimal amount of fluid needed for their bodies.

The water bottle displays a daily personal hydration goal, a drink monitor which logs liquid consumption and a sip tracker that helps monitor consumed liquids. The bottle can also tell the average fluid consumed per hour, the last time one drank and it can set a drinking pace.

The water bottle comes in three different colors (blue, orange and gray), is 22 ounces and dishwasher safe.

Muscle tenderness can be an unwanted consequence of working out. The new Stick ($39.95) is a self-massaging device used to treat muscle pain. The Stick prevents muscle injuries, improves strength, flexibility and endurance, prepares muscles for physical activity, disperses the effects of lactic acid and accelerates muscle recovery. The Stick is a non-motorized, hand-held device that raises a muscle’s temperature and enhances activity and wellness.

The U.S. Surgeon General suggests individuals get at least 30 minutes of physical activity in each day, which equals about 10,000 steps. To keep track, students can use the Omron HJ 112 Pedometer ($19.69). “Pedometers are an excellent method for the average non-athlete who is looking to take charge of their health goals,” Marc Ciccarone says, a recent graduate from ASU’s physical education department.

The HJ 112 can count not only walking steps but can also calculate steps taken during vigorous aerobic workouts such as running or recreational sports. The HJ 112 also measures the distance of steps in miles and the amount of calories burned while working out. The HJ 112 is lightweight with a detachable holder, has a seven-day memory, is silent and top rated for accuracy.

— theresa.dillon@asu.edu