With the world around us constantly changing, it seems impossible to keep up with the abundance of technology becoming available to consumers. Different types of technology have improved how humans communicate, learn, and entertain. However, an area we don’t commonly hear about being affected by this shifting technology is sports. When many think of sports, most people do not think of any significant changes because the rules and equipment have been relatively the same since the beginning. However, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), on Jan. 5-8, drastically new technology to help both coaches and athletes was showcased.

One of the gadgets on display at CES was a virtual reality sports trainer program called the STRIVR. The STRIVR is a widget used for football that captures 3-D footage of football plays. This footage helps athletes learn playbooks without the physical risk of getting injured. The program helps professionals maintain a mental edge over their competitors, but also helps newcomers find their footing in the sport by letting them try out more higher risk plays. Numerous spin off programs are in development for various other sports that will provide similar benefits to athletes.

For another advantage, athletes can also use the Smith Lowdown Focus. The Smith Lowdown Focus is a pair of smart sunglasses that, as the name implies, helps your brain focus. The glasses have sensors and monitors built in that collect data on when your brain is or isn’t focused. The glasses use the data to improve its meditation program built into the shades. The sensors will make sure the user feels the difference between when they are focused or procrastinating. The glasses help athletes focus on the activity that they are performing due to the glasses being designed to stay attached to the user’s head during movement.

Furthermore, the tedious work of practice takes a mental and physical toll on the human body, which is why Under Armour has launched a new line of athlete recovery sleepwear. The innovative sleepwear uses bioceramic print that can produce infrared energy that assists with recovery while the user is asleep. The infrared energy that is produced helps muscles become more relaxed throughout the night which aids in recovery. The faster recovery will enable athletes to train more and train harder, thus improving their overall performance.

As time goes on, products are becoming more widely available to aid consumers in any endeavor they wish, including sports. With the evolution of technology, sports will gradually become more competitive and technology will become a necessity in an athlete’s life in order for them to stay at the top of their game. Overall, technology is here to stay and is constantly improving how we eat, sleep, and most of all, play.