According to current statistics, the gyms and fitness centres industry in Australia in 2022 reached $1.9 billion, which is just a tiny portion of the estimated global value of $96.7 billion. With close to $100 billion floating around, innovations in fitness and sports products continue to impress with entirely new ways to work out, stay healthy and maintain fitness. To ensure you’re up to date with the latest and greatest in the fitness and sports market, we’ve put together a list of our 10 top products of 2022.
We’re talking next-generation treadmills, the best smartwatches for tracking your exercise, prototype running sneakers, high-quality surfboards, facial massagers and plenty of golf gear for that hole-in-one you’ve been dreaming of for so long. Whether you’re making lifestyle changes, gearing up for a hot-bod summer or want to smash your personal best, these are our 10 top fitness and sports products of 2022.
How Man of Many Chose the Best Fitness & Sports Products of 2022
To arrive at this list of products, the Man of Many team went through hours and rigorous testing, implementation and analysis before culling it down to the very best. Over the last 12 months, we’ve worked on curated products that push boundaries and pioneer new fronts, across the automotive, fashion, lifestyle and technology verticals. Sure, we love getting the latest piece of kit in our hands, but being able to point out the benefits and shortfalls objectively is at the heart of what we do.
As a result, the Top 100 Products is primarily comprised of products that we tested in-house and use extensively first-hand. While there are a few exceptions to the rule, generally due to scarcity and availability, we made note of the cultural significance surrounding each product should we not have been able to review it personally.
Best Fitness & Sports Products of 2022
Our list of the best Fitness & Sports releases of 2022 includes the following.
- Best Overall: TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4
- Best for Fitness: King Smith WalkingPad X21
- Best for Sport: TaylorMade Stealth Driver
- Best for Running: Nike Zoom Alphafly Next% 2
Now we’ve rounded up our favourites, let’s check out the full list.
TAG Heuer Connected Golf Calibre E4 | Image: TAG Heuer
1. TAG Heuer Connected Golf Calibre E4
Our co-founder Frank Arthur went from one hole to the next, testing TAG Heuer’s latest Connected smartwatch with pro-golfer Dimitrios “Dimi” Papadatos, declaring the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 a must-have for golfers. First and foremost is Automatic Swing Detection. Capable of guestimating your swing on the golf course, the Calibre E4 was incredibly accurate, with a prediction of between 270 and 275 for Papadatos’ first swing of 274. Supporting this is a range of additional features like 2D maps and 3D renderings of the ball’s trajectory, drive shot tracking, a stylish 18-hole inspired bezel and a built-in magnetic ball marker for convenience in its purest form.
For non-golfers, the TAG Heuer watch offers an abundance of fitness and sports functionality, including all-new guided workouts loaded with exercise programs with pre-set lengths, all directed through on-screen prompts highlighted by animations. You can also customise your routine by inputting the data and setting up the workout.
The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 blends the lines between the traditional timepieces the brand is known for and the ever-growing popularity of smartwatches to produce a jack of all trades that verges on mastery. The 2022 TAG Heuer Connected models represent a dramatic new move in the right direction for a company that is unquestionably more on the horology side than the technology side. The latest Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity has increased data synchronisation, 30% more battery life, and improved screen contrast. But despite all the cutting-edge improvements and new technologies, the TAG Heuer Connected stands out because it is a smartwatch that prioritises style over gadgetry.
Buy the Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Read about the Tag Heuer Connected Calibre
TaylorMade Stealth Driver | Image: TaylorMade
2. TaylorMade Stealth Driver
Picked for our Man of Many’s Most Wanted List in February 2022, the TaylorMade Stealth Driver was described as “a golf club fit for a king” by Sam Mangioni. The Stealth Driver from TaylorMade is made of carbon (60 layers of carbon sheets, to be exact) rather than the reliable titanium we’ve become accustomed to on the golf course. A cutting-edge material that ushers in a new era of premium drivers by facilitating more significant energy transfer, perfect friction at impact, improved forgiveness (44% lighter than titanium), premium sound, and higher ball speeds across a wider area of the face.
It all starts with the TaylorMade 60x Carbon Twist Face that delivers far greater swing speed on average. Moreover, the entire face is coated in polyurethane to fine-tune launch and spin and maximise total distance under all playing circumstances. But for us, the best part about the TaylorMade Stealth Driver is its premium sound. The team of TaylorMade engineers were so obsessed with creating the perfect drive sound that you might never want to use another club again. Curvature, form, and internal strengthening ribs perfectly tune the acoustics, producing a sound profile that is both powerful and bright to match. Cop this one for your next round of 18, and watch your golf buddies order themselves a Stealth Driver to keep up.
Buy the Taylor Made Stealth Driver
Nike Zoom Alphafly Next% 2 | Image: Nike
3. Nike Zoom Alphafly Next% 2
Sadly, you’ll never look at your favourite pair of vintage racing shoes the same way after taking a few steps in the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% 2. Inspired by rocket ships, these prototype shoes are designed to help you reduce the time it takes you to complete tasks by maintaining the stability you need. In a heavenly running union, a thick, light support system combines comfort and speed to “deliver a snappy, propulsive sensation to launch you toward the finish line”.
The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next 2 Prototype boasts an enhanced Atomknit 2.0 upper to promote ventilation above your toes and forefoot. The next-gen prototype shoe contains full-size ZoomX foam, Zoom Air pods, a carbon plate and a substantial rubber sole. Available in various colour schemes, the sneakers have a dark-shaded Nike logo on the side and a resilient thin-web outsole for better heel-to-toe transitions and durable traction.
Tested by Olympian Eliud Kipchoge, the world-record marathon runner believes a “serious person with a goal should try the Alphafly 2” if they want “to recover fast and improve their time”. Basically, these running shoes are as legit as they come. Or, as Scott Purcell said in our Man of Many’s Most Wanted – June 2022, “they’re also one of the sexiest shoes we have ever laid our eyes on.”
King Smith WalkingPad X21 | Image: King Smith
4. King Smith WalkingPad X21
Sure, it’s just a treadmill, but wait until you see its secret trick. Dubbed the world’s first treadmill with Double-fold technology, the King-Smith WalkingPad X21 is a full-sized treadmill that can fold away in an upright position. Collapsing into half the size, renters and small apartment owners will love the space-saving functionality of the WalkingPad X21, and that’s before we jump into its other incredible features. There’s a hidden LED digital display screen with an industrial aesthetic design and a one-touch operation panel on the handrail for seamless operation and control mid-stride. Android lovers will also love the X21 thanks to the NFC pairing for direct access to this high-tech treadmill. As for everyone else, the KS Fit app displays your time, speed, steps, and calories burned, allowing you to keep track of your workout history. Complimented by a detachable phone holder and an integrated luxury frame with a black spray paint finish, it’s no wonder it won the German Red Dot Award and the IF Design Award!
Hypto Krypto Soft Top Surfboard | Image: Haydenshapes
5. Hypto Krypto Soft Top Surfboard by Haydenshapes
Chosen for our Man of Many’s Most Wanted – February 2022, the Hypto Krypto Soft Top, based on the legendary Hypto Krypto, strikes a balance between tradition and performance with a dash of fun. Haydenshapes upgraded their best-selling surfboard with a trademark soft top that offers performance possibilities far beyond anything on the market—constructed with an Internal Parabolic Carbon Fiber Frame, a Full Grip Textured Deck, and curved rails based on the original Hypto, with a sturdy shape suitable for all surfer levels, from novice to pro. The Hypto Softie’s adaptability and resemblance to the original enable you to flourish in surf even beyond little beach breaks. If surfing is your sport of choice, then a Hypto Krypto Soft Top Surfboard by Haydenshapes is a worthy investment for carving up waves.
Therabody TheraFace Pro | Image: Therabody
6. Therabody TheraFace Pro
A soothing facial massage and your favourite facial treatments, all in one easy-to-use device. The technology underlying Theragun percussive therapy, now adapted for the face, helps to relieve stress and relax the muscles in the face. This multi-tasking device offers more customisable facial health treatments than any other, including skin-toning microcurrent and rejuvenating light therapy. Combining a relaxing facial massage with facial treatments, the Therabody TheraFACE PRO reduces tension, relaxes facial muscles and features a skin-toning microcurrent and rejuvenating light treatment.
Included in our 14 Best Gifts for Mum, this facial massager is more than just a high-quality gift; it’s the latest innovation that combines and customises facial health with exclusive, all-in-one routines for everything you face daily. There’s a blue light setting to reduce acne, red light for wrinkles around your eyes, infrared for pain relief, a microcurrent ring to improve muscle tone, and a cleansing ring for removing dirt, oil and debris from your face. Of course, being Therabody, there is also a range of percussive attachments for massaging your face, like a cone attachment for targeted treatment, micro-points for larger areas and a flat percussive attachment for tension relief.
Tempo Move | Image: Tempo
7. Tempo Move
A fitness system that uses artificial intelligence to create a 3D map of your body. What does that have to do with achieving that hot-summer body? It’s like having your personal trainer inside a brand-new at-home workout system that guides you through your workouts while keeping you safe with expert instructions on maintaining your form. Don’t just lift, bro. Lift properly with Tempo Move and the Tempo Fit System. Following the likes of Peloton and Mirror, the Tempo Move features a large 42-inch touch screen that sits on top of a freestanding case that you can position almost anywhere without being obtrusive.
Providing you access to live and on-demand HIIT, strength training, and movement classes, there are dumbbells, a barbell, weight plates, barbell collars, a heart rate monitor, a workout mat, and a foam roller. Where the magic begins is with the artificial intelligence that uses motion sensors and infrared light to 3D map your body. Using data, Tempo Move analyses your form and records every rep, providing feedback and suggestion to perfect your form. While it’s certainly not cheap, the Tempo Move might be your pathway to ripped abs and bulging pecs compared to regular weekly sessions.
Check it out Tempo’s At Home Training Offer
Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar | Image: Garmin
8. Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar
We’re big fans of the Garmin Forerunner series, thanks to its accessibility and functionality across various sports and fitness activities. Recently upgraded with a solar-powered battery with up to 20 days of battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging, the 955 model outshines its predecessors. As for the competition, the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar stacks up with an all-new touchscreen, full-colour, built-in maps and multi-band GPS, training readiness reports on sleep quality, recovery and training load, daily suggested workouts and heart rate variability scores based on technology developed by the Garmin Firstbeat Analytics team. Plus, at only 52 grams, it’s lighter than two alkaline batteries.
Of course, that’s only scratching the surface of what’s possible with a Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar Smartwatch. Garmin offers over forty individual features, many of which are geared towards getting the most out of your sports and fitness training. And with the added benefit of the Garmin Connect App, you can see your stats and track your goals on the big(ger) screen.
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill | Image: NordicTrack
9. NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
Another day, another treadmill. So how does this one stack up against the King Smith Walking Pad X21, and why are there two treadmills? Well, where the X21 succeeds in space-saving functionality, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill shoots for the moon with an interactive training experience that feels more immersive than ever. Starting with the massive 14” HD touchscreen and the amplified sound system, NordicTrack promises a smarter workout thanks to the reimagined console that tilts and pivots to meet your needs. And thanks to the redesigned deck that sits lower, it’s even easier to transition on and off your machine.
Also in the mix is ActivePulse technology, which, when paired with the SmartBeat Forearm Heart Rate Monitor, enables your treadmill to adjust speed (0-12mph/ 20 kph) and slope (15 incline -3% decline) to maintain your optimal heart-rate zone. As for where you’ll be working out, NordicTrack offers worldwide training experiences with iFIT trainers around the globe, from the peaks of New Zealand to the red rocks of Utah.
L.A.B. Golf DF 2.1 Custom Putter | Image: L.A.B. Golf
10. L.A.B. Golf DF 2.1 Custom Putter
They may look strange, but these DF 2.1 putters will outplay traditional versions any day of the week. With a highly durable, large mallet design, the Lie Angle Balance (L.A.B.) Technology-based DF 2.1 pushes this unique golf technology to its limit. Offering a full range of customisation options, including those for Arm Locks and Broomsticks, the L.A.B. Golf DF 2.1 Custom Putter is one way to improve your golf game.
Manufactured and assembled in the USA from 100% CNC milled precision forged 6061 aircraft aluminium, the secrete behind L.A.B. determines the optimal line angle for every golfer. With over 36 different alignment markings for the DF 2.1 Custom and a range of grip and shaft options, purchasing a L.A.B. Golf DF 2.1 Custom Putter might be the most intelligent golf equipment decision you can make.
General FAQs
The TAG Heuer Connected Golf Calibre E4 is perhaps the best smartwatch for golf fans. The unique piece of technology provides a swathe of golf-focused features including a built-in magnetic ball marker and Drive Shot Tracking to detect your first shot on each hole.
In 2022, technology became a major component of fitness. A vast number of brands increased their wearable technology, with a number of new smartwatches, clothing, fitness trackers and in-home workout guides hitting the market.
