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Written by Karin Rex
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 It’s February—do you know where your fitness resolutions are? I’ve
always had a love/hate relationship with health-oriented resolutions. I
love to make them; I hate to keep them. Apparently, I am not alone.
Research shows that one month into the New Year, only 64 percent of
resolutions are still being kept. Five months afterwards, that number
will drop to 46 percent.
What’s a body to do?
If you love technology as much as I do, one sure way to fight your
inner slacker is to invest in some ultra-cool high-tech workout tools.
An array of gear is available, from a personal training device with GPS
to a virtual trainer that lives in your MP3 player. You can even buy
sneakers that communicate with your iPod.
Forerunner for Runners/WalkersTend to get lost when you are
running or walking? How about a personal training device with Global
Satellite Positioning (GPS)? In addition to reporting latitude,
longitude and altitude, the Forerunner 101 ($114.95) measures speed,
distance, pace and calories burned. Running on two AA batteries, the
Forerunner 101 stores your workout history for up to two years and
provides a lap timer as well as pace and distance alerts.
Business travelers who frequently run in unfamiliar territory will
appreciate the “electronic breadcrumb” feature that acts as a
never-get-lost-again navigator. Mark your hotel as the starting point,
view your current position along the way, and then retrace your steps
back by simply watching the display.
Garmin also offers four other Forerunner models, each progressively more sophisticated. Visit www.garmin.com/fitness/ for more information.
Polar F11 Heart Rate MonitorBesides being oh-so-sleek to look
at, the Polar F11 heart rate monitor ($169.95) provides a wealth of
features that allow you to create an individually targeted workout plan
and then track progress toward that target. Built-in programs determine
your fitness level, monitor improvement, and count calories and fat
burned. Unlike other heart rate monitors that incorporate electrodes
into a separate chest strap, the F11’s electrodes are in the wrist
strap.
In addition to the F11, Polar offers a variety of fitness gear. Visit www.polarusa.com for more information.
Virtual Personal TrainersIf you like the idea of a personal
trainer but prefer to work out on your own schedule (and not pay $75 or
more per hour), why not download a virtual trainer into your iPod or
MP3 player? What’s especially nice about these programs is that, unlike
sessions with an in-the-flesh trainer, these can be repeated again and
again at no additional cost. Two of my favorites are PumpOne and
PodFitness:
PumpOne (www.pumpone.com)
offers four to six-week strength training workouts on your video iPod
for $19 each. Onscreen photographs and instructions (no voiceover)
visually guide you through each exercise, letting your favorite music
play in the background.
PodFitness (www.podfitness.com)
gives you access to a team of personal trainers on your MP3 player or
iPod for only $19 per month. Each time you log on, a custom workout
session (audio only, with accompanying music) is created for you.
A few more to check out:
• iWorkout (www.helmesinnovations.com/iWorkout.html)
• iAmplify (www.iamplify.com)
• iPodGym (somatotype.net/iPod_Gym/)
• iTrainer (www.itrainer.com.au)
• iTrain (www.itrain.com)
Nike Shoes + iPod Nano + Sports Kit = Nifty Fitness TrackerA marriage made in cyberspace is Nike + iPod.
Nike + shoes sport a hidden compartment under the insole that holds a
Nike + iPod sensor. Once you place the tiny sensor (1.37” x .95” x
.30”) in the shoe compartment and plug the even tinier receiver (1.03”
x 0.62” x 0.22”) into your Nano’s dock connector, it will begin to
track time, distance, pace and calories burned. Lonely during workouts?
Your Nano can talk to you, offering real-time updates throughout the
session. You can even sync workout information to iTunes or
nikeplus.com, where you can set objectives, assess progress, and even
challenge other runners to a virtual race. Visit www.apple.com/ipod/nike/ for more information.
Nike + iPod kit: $29. iPod Nano: between $149 and $249. Nike + shoes
$100 and up. Keeping a New Year’s resolution longer than 30 days?
Priceless.
Karin Rex is a Lansdale-based freelance writer who believes that the geek shall inherit the earth.
No one has commented on this article. J! Reactions • General Site LicenseCopyright © 2006 S. A. DeCaro |
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