Hello! I'm Vanja Vukas, founder of Tech Fitness Lab and a fitness professional dedicated to helping you make informed decisions about smart fitness equipment. 

With over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry, formal education from the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education in Novi Sad, a competitive athletic background, and thousands of published articles across major fitness publications, I created Tech Fitness Lab to cut through the marketing hype and provide honest, expert-driven tech fitness reviews.

My Journey Into Tech Fitness & Equipment Review

My relationship with fitness technology and equipment began long before Tech Fitness Lab existed. 

As a competitive athlete, I learned firsthand how the right equipment can enhance performance, and how the wrong equipment can hinder progress or even cause injury. Through years of training across multiple disciplines, I developed an intuitive sense for what separates genuinely effective equipment from well-marketed mediocrity.

When I began my professional career in the fitness industry, I worked with clients of all levels:

• competitive athletes chasing performance gains
• recreational fitness enthusiasts building strength and endurance
• beginners taking their first steps toward healthier lifestyles
• individuals recovering from injuries who needed safe equipment options
• and older adults focused on maintaining mobility and independence

This diverse client experience taught me that equipment needs vary dramatically based on goals, experience level, physical limitations, and training preferences.

Over the years, I watched the fitness equipment industry evolve. Traditional dumbbells and treadmills gave way to "smart" equipment promising connectivity, data tracking, personalized programming, and revolutionary results. While some innovations genuinely improved the training experience, others added complexity without delivering meaningful value. Many clients came to me confused by conflicting online reviews, overwhelmed by technical specifications they didn't understand, and uncertain whether expensive "smart" features justified their premium price tags.

I started writing equipment reviews to help real people navigate these decisions. 

My early articles focused on straightforward evaluations: 

• Does this treadmill run smoothly? 
• Is this resistance band durable? 
• Does this fitness tracker accurately measure heart rate? 

As my publication history grew across platforms like Fitness Volt, Caveman Training, Total Shape, BOXROX, and Rucking Basics, I refined my testing methodology and deepened my expertise in specific equipment categories.

The more I wrote, the more I recognized a significant gap in the fitness equipment review space. Most review sites fell into one of two categories: affiliate-driven content farms that prioritized commission over candor, publishing generic "reviews" clearly written by people (or AI - although mostly bad ChatGPT prompts) who had never touched the equipment they supposedly tested, or tech-focused publications that evaluated equipment purely as consumer electronics, ignoring biomechanics, exercise science, and whether the equipment actually supported safe, effective training.

I wanted to create something different, a resource that combined genuine fitness expertise with rigorous testing, honored the science of human movement while remaining accessible to everyday users, acknowledged equipment limitations as clearly as highlighting strengths, and helped readers make purchase decisions based on their actual needs rather than manufactured desires.

That vision became Tech Fitness Lab.

Educational Foundation

My expertise in fitness equipment evaluation is grounded in formal education from the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education (Novi Sad, Serbia). This rigorous academic program provided comprehensive training in:

• Human Anatomy & Musculoskeletal Systems – Deep understanding of how muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments function individually and as integrated systems. This knowledge is essential when evaluating whether equipment promotes biomechanically sound movement patterns or creates injury risks through poor design.
• Exercise Physiology – Study of how the body responds to different training stimuli, including cardiovascular adaptations, muscular responses, metabolic processes, and recovery mechanisms. When testing smart equipment that claims to optimize workout intensity, track calorie burn, or personalize training zones, I can assess whether these features align with actual physiological principles or rely on oversimplified algorithms.
• Biomechanics & Movement Analysis – Training in analyzing human movement patterns, joint angles, force distribution, and movement efficiency. This enables me to evaluate whether a treadmill's belt mechanics support natural running gait, whether an elliptical's stride path accommodates different body types, or whether a smart strength machine's resistance curve matches human strength curves throughout the range of motion.
• Sports Science & Training Methodology – Academic study of training program design, periodization, progressive overload, and long-term athletic development. This background helps me assess whether equipment's preset programs follow sound training principles and whether "AI-powered" workout suggestions genuinely optimize progression or simply generate random variety.
• Kinezitherapy & Rehabilitation – Knowledge of therapeutic exercise and injury recovery protocols. This perspective is crucial when evaluating equipment marketed for rehabilitation, low-impact training, or users with physical limitations. I can distinguish between equipment that genuinely supports safe recovery and devices that make therapeutic claims without proper biomechanical support.

This formal education distinguishes my reviews from content written by general tech reviewers or amateur fitness enthusiasts. My recommendations are grounded in peer-reviewed research, validated scientific principles, and academic rigor, not just personal preference or superficial impressions.

Professional Experience

My 15+ years in the fitness industry have provided diverse experiences that inform every equipment review I write:

Competitive Athletic Background

As a competitive athlete across multiple disciplines, I've experienced training at intensity levels that reveal equipment weaknesses invisible during casual use. I know what it feels like when equipment fails under serious training stress, when monitoring technology provides inaccurate feedback that derails programming, when poor ergonomics cause discomfort that interrupts workout flow, and when durability issues emerge after months of consistent use. This background gives me a performance-oriented testing perspective that complements my scientific knowledge.

Founder of Functional Body Savage

Through Functional Body Savage, I've worked directly with clients pursuing diverse fitness goals, from competitive athletic performance to general health and wellness. 

This hands-on coaching experience has taught me how different users interact with equipment, what features genuinely enhance training versus what sounds good in marketing but prove irrelevant in practice, how user-friendliness affects long-term consistency, and which equipment investments deliver lasting value versus which collect dust after initial enthusiasm fades.

Working with real clients using real equipment in pursuit of real goals has given me an invaluable perspective that purely theoretical knowledge cannot provide. 

I've seen which smart features motivate clients to train more consistently and which become ignored complications. I've witnessed how equipment design affects exercise form and injury risk. I've observed which price points represent genuine value and which reflect premium branding without proportional quality improvements.

Published Fitness Writer

My extensive publication history across major fitness platforms has refined my ability to communicate complex concepts clearly, evaluate equipment objectively against scientific standards, identify genuinely innovative features versus repackaged gimmicks, and provide actionable recommendations for diverse audiences.

Writing for publications with millions of readers carries responsibility. 

My articles on Fitness Volt have helped countless individuals make informed equipment decisions. My contributions to specialized publications like Caveman Training (functional fitness), BOXROX (CrossFit and competitive fitness), and Rucking Basics demonstrate my ability to evaluate equipment for different training methodologies and user populations.

This publication history has also connected me with other fitness professionals, equipment manufacturers, and industry insiders. These relationships provide valuable context for understanding equipment design decisions, manufacturing quality variations, and long-term reliability patterns that only emerge across years of market observation.

Why Smart Fitness Equipment?

As fitness technology has evolved, I've watched "smart" features transform from novelty to expectation. 

Modern fitness equipment promises connectivity, personalized programming, performance tracking, virtual coaching, and data-driven optimization. At their best, these innovations genuinely enhance training effectiveness and user engagement. At their worst, they're marketing gimmicks that add cost and complexity without delivering meaningful benefits.

I chose to focus Tech Fitness Lab specifically on smart fitness technology because this category desperately needs expert, science-based evaluation. The "smart" fitness market is flooded with conflicting claims, technical specifications that mean nothing to average users, apps and connectivity features that sound impressive but prove frustrating in daily use, algorithms that claim personalization while delivering generic programming, and price premiums that may or may not reflect genuine value.

Most consumers lack the expertise to evaluate these claims critically. 

• Is that AI-powered treadmill truly optimizing workouts, or just adjusting speed based on simple formulas? 
• Does that smart strength trainer's form tracking actually prevent injury, or create false confidence in poor movement patterns?
• Is the subscription service for that connected bike worth the monthly cost, or could you get similar results from free alternatives?

These questions require someone who understands both fitness science and technology and also someone who can test whether smart features work as advertised, assess whether tracking data is accurate and actionable, evaluate whether connectivity enhances or complicates the user experience, and determine whether premium pricing reflects genuine innovation or clever marketing.

That's exactly what I provide at Tech Fitness Lab. 

Every review combines my fitness expertise with rigorous technology testing to answer the fundamental question: Does this smart equipment genuinely improve your training, or is it just regular equipment with an overpriced touchscreen?

Our Testing Methodology

When we review smart fitness equipment for Tech Fitness Lab, we follow a comprehensive testing protocol that goes far beyond surface-level impressions.

Long-Term Testing Period

We test equipment for weeks or months, not days. 

Initial impressions matter, but durability, consistency, and long-term user experience matter more. We want to know if that treadmill's belt still runs smoothly after 100 miles, whether that fitness tracker's battery life matches manufacturer claims after firmware updates, if that smart bike's resistance calibration stays accurate over time, and whether app connectivity remains stable or becomes frustrating.

Biomechanical Analysis

Using our sports science education background, we evaluate whether equipment supports natural, safe movement patterns across different body types, if joint angles and force distribution minimize injury risk, whether resistance curves match human strength curves, and if ergonomic design accommodates users of varying heights and proportions.

Technology Verification

We test whether "smart" features deliver genuine value by cross-referencing data accuracy against validated measurement tools, evaluating whether app interfaces are genuinely useful or needlessly complicated, testing connectivity stability and software update quality, and assessing whether AI-powered features demonstrate actual intelligence or just follow simple scripts.

Real-World Application

We test equipment the way real users will actually use it, including beginner-level use with minimal technical knowledge, intermediate use with structured training programs, advanced use with high-intensity training demands, and recovery and therapeutic applications when applicable.

Comparative Context

We evaluate equipment against competing models, industry standards, and price-point expectations. A $500 treadmill should be assessed differently from a $3,000 model, but both should deliver value appropriate to their pricing.

Safety Assessment

We identify potential injury risks, emergency stop functionality, stability under various use conditions, and whether equipment is safe for the populations it targets (beginners, seniors, rehabilitation users, etc.).

Honest Limitations

No equipment is perfect. 

Every review we write acknowledges limitations as clearly as highlighting strengths. If a treadmill has excellent mechanics but a frustrating app interface, we say so. If a fitness tracker provides accurate heart rate monitoring but uncomfortable wear, we cover both. Readers deserve complete information, not filtered marketing.

Read More About our Comprehensive Testing Protocol

The Expert Team Behind Tech Fitness Lab

At Tech Fitness Lab, we believe that authoritative fitness tech reviews require more than just unboxing tutorials and surface-level impressions. Because of this, our team combines decades of hands-on fitness experience, formal education in sports science, competitive athletic achievements, and rigorous testing methodologies to deliver reviews you can trust.

What sets us apart is our multi-dimensional approach to equipment evaluation. Our team includes university-educated sports professionals, certified trainers who have worked with elite athletes, competitive martial artists who push equipment to its limits, rehabilitation specialists who understand biomechanics and injury prevention, published fitness writers with thousands of articles across major industry publications, and data-driven strategists who ensure our insights reach the people who need them most.

Every piece of smart fitness tech we review undergoes comprehensive testing that goes far beyond manufacturer specifications. Our experts evaluate equipment through the lens of exercise science, practical usability, long-term durability, injury prevention, and real-world performance across different user populations (from beginners taking their first fitness steps to competitive athletes optimizing their training).

When you read a review on Tech Fitness Lab, you're getting insights from professionals who have trained clients, competed at high levels, studied human movement at the university level, recovered from injuries, and dedicated their careers to understanding what makes fitness technology truly effective versus merely marketable.

Commitment to Transparency

Tech Fitness Lab operates on a foundation of transparency and honesty.

Real Testing, Real Opinions

Every piece of equipment we review has been personally tested by qualified fitness professionals. We don't publish "reviews" based on manufacturer specifications or other people's opinions. If we recommend equipment, it's because we've used it extensively and believe it delivers value.

Balanced Assessment

We acknowledge both strengths and limitations. The best equipment for one user may be wrong for another. Our reviews provide enough detail that you can make informed decisions based on your specific needs, goals, and circumstances.

Evidence-Based Evaluation

Our recommendations are grounded in exercise science, biomechanics, and validated training principles. When equipment makes scientific claims, we verify them. When "smart" features promise revolutionary results, we test whether they deliver.

Independence from Manufacturers

No manufacturer pays us for positive reviews. Equipment makers don't see our reviews before publication. We maintain complete editorial independence to ensure our assessments serve readers, not industry relationships.

Clear Expertise

We openly share our qualifications, backgrounds, and testing methodologies. You know exactly who is reviewing your equipment and what expertise they bring. We don't hide behind anonymous bylines or vague credentials.

Affiliate Disclosure

Affiliate Disclosure: Tech Fitness Lab is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission when you purchase products through links on our site.

This affiliate relationship does not influence our reviews or recommendations. We recommend equipment based on our expert testing and assessment of value, safety, and effectiveness, not based on commission rates. In fact, we sometimes recommend equipment that earns us lower commissions because we genuinely believe it's the better choice for specific users.

Our commitment is to provide honest, expert-driven guidance that helps you invest wisely in fitness equipment. Regardless of whether you purchase through our links, buy elsewhere, or decide against purchasing altogether, our goal is to ensure you have the information needed to make the right decision for your situation.

Why Tech Fitness Lab Exists

The fitness equipment industry is saturated with marketing hyperbole, conflicting reviews, and content written by people with minimal fitness expertise. 

As "smart" technology becomes standard, the gap between marketing claims and genuine value has widened. Users need trustworthy guidance from people who understand both fitness science and technology.

Tech Fitness Lab exists to bridge that gap. We provide equipment reviews written by fitness professionals with real credentials, tested by people who actually use fitness equipment for serious training, grounded in sports science and biomechanics rather than marketing materials, honest about limitations and appropriate use cases, and focused on helping you find equipment that genuinely supports your goals.

If you're a competitive athlete seeking performance optimization, a fitness enthusiast building home gym equipment, a beginner intimidated by complicated technology, someone recovering from injury who needs safe equipment options, or anyone trying to navigate the overwhelming smart fitness equipment market, Tech Fitness Lab provides expert guidance you can trust.

Looking Forward

The smart fitness equipment industry continues to evolve rapidly. 

New technologies promise increasingly sophisticated tracking, personalization, and training optimization. As this evolution continues, Tech Fitness Lab will remain committed to rigorous testing, honest evaluation, and user-focused recommendations that cut through marketing noise to deliver genuine value.

I invite you to explore our reviews, ask questions, share your experiences, and join a community of people who believe fitness equipment decisions deserve expert, science-based guidance rather than affiliate-driven promotion.

Thank you for trusting Tech Fitness Lab to guide your smart fitness equipment decisions. If you're researching your first treadmill or building a complete smart home gym, we're here to provide the expertise and transparency you deserve.

Connect With Tech Fitness Lab

Ready to find smart fitness equipment that genuinely delivers value? Browse our comprehensive reviews:

• Best Smart Treadmills – Expert testing of connected treadmills for home use
• Best Elliptical Machines – Science-based evaluation of low-impact cardio equipment
• Best Fitness Trackers – Honest assessment of wearable fitness technology
• Best Smart Strength Equipment – Reviews of connected resistance training devices
• Best Recovery Equipment – Expert evaluation of massage guns, compression devices, and recovery tech

Have questions about specific equipment? 

Need help choosing between competing models?

Contact us. 

We're here to help you make informed decisions based on real expertise, not marketing hype.