Why You Can Trust CNET Save $45 on a set of BlazePods and amp up your at-home workout (Update: Expired)
Use these touch-sensitive, app-controlled pods to play hundreds of solo or competitive games.
It was never particularly easy to get to the gym -- just think about how many of your gym memberships have gone to waste -- but in the Age of Corona, it's harder than ever. There are a lot of alternatives out there. You can run outdoors, buy an exercise bike, or do a high-intensity workout at home. But I've been trying a new workout option, and it's transformed the way I exercise. BlazePod is a set of touch-sensitive, light-up pods that work in conjunction with an app to set up and score a huge number of high-intensity games and workouts. Right now you can save 15% on any BlazePod bundle, which means you can get the BlazePod Standard Kit for $254. There's no code required -- the discount is applied automatically in your cart.
BlazePod offers a number of kits, but I'd recommend the Standard Kit, which includes four pods. Ordinarily $299, you this deal saves you $45. You could also double up and get the 2X Standard Kit for $508, a savings of $90. That's a good choice if you want to use it with a team, group or entire family.
BlazePod is an unusual product, so I need to unpack this a bit. Each pod is a rugged, water-resistant, puck-sized gadget that can display any of eight different colors via the integrated bright RGB LED. They communicate with the BlazePod app, where you choose a game or workout from an enormous list of options. You can filter the results by the number of players, number of pods to use, type of exercise and more. The pods themselves can be set on the ground or mounted on a wall or post. (BlazePod includes suction cups and bands for a variety of mounting options.)
Many of the games are variations on reaction exercises -- you might need to run to a pad when it lights up and tap or step on it, or don boxing gloves and punch it, mounted on a heavy bag or wall. There are sprinting exercises and variations of push-ups and burpees in which you need to react to the lit pods. You can choose the "lateral hurdle jump" game in which you jump over low hurdles to reach a lit pod, tap it and then jump to the next one. Some exercises need you to bring extra equipment, like boxing gloves, an exercise ball or basketball. Others only require the pods and some enthusiasm. And believe me when I say you won't run out of exercises anytime soon; there are dozens and dozens in the app to choose from. Each one is customizable, too.
Charging the pods is especially easy. They stack on the charging pad like a bunch of upside-down salad bowls and all charge at the same time in just a few hours.
I'm really digging BlazePod. Not only is it a blast to react to the pods by slamming your hand (or knee or foot, depending on the exercise) to register the hit and move on to the next pod, but the variety of games means you don't get bored of it by doing the same thing every day. And while you might use it solo for now, when the pandemic is over, it's perfect for group activities, team sports warm-ups and one-on-one competitive workouts.
First published earlier in the year. Updated with new deal details.
CNET's Cheapskate scours the web for great deals on tech products and much more. For the latest deals and updates, follow the Cheapskate on Facebook and Twitter. Find more great buys on the CNET Deals page and check out our CNET Coupons page for the latest promo codes from Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon and more. Questions about the Cheapskate blog? Find the answers on our FAQ page.