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Far-Out Fitness Technology Takes Your Workout to a New Level

Posted on: Friday, 24 March 2006, 21:00 CST

By Susan Stevens Daily Herald Health Writer

Because it can be hard to extract yourself from the vacuum force of plush down cushions and Tivo, we've rounded up some motivation just in time for the first day of spring. Trade in your favorite remote for one of these hot new toys - er, personal electronic devices - that can help you get the most from your aerobic workout.

These far-out fitness computers will help you track your progress and monitor your workout. Even if you're secretly pining after American Idol, at least you'll look like you mean business.

Where in the world

You have GPS to guide your drive to the grocery store, why not for your morning run?

Garmin is releasing an updated version of its popular Forerunner computers, which let runners track their speed, distance, splits, heart rate and other stats with a glance at their wrist.

The watches tap into the U.S. government's global positioning system to pinpoint a runner's path through the neighborhood or forest preserve. You can go online to trace your route and pace to see where your energy flagged. Or you can set up a "virtual partner" to run at a prescribed pace.

"I think a lot of people go from the gym environment, where you have a lot of immediate feedback on the machine, and you step outside and feel like you're floating along and not knowing what you're getting," said David Dowd, a buyer for the Fleet Feet running stores in Chicago. "With the speed and distance pieces, you're getting that feedback."

The Garmin Forerunner 205 and the 305, which includes a chest- strap heart rate monitor, arrive in sporting goods stores this month for $250 to $375. These new versions of the Forerunner promise to be smaller than their chunkier predecessors, as well as quicker and more precise in maintaining a satellite fix - important if you're running under trees or near tall buildings.

Other options: The release of the new Forerunners means discounts on the older 201 and 301, which now can be yours for just $160 to $215.

Timex also makes a GPS-driven running computer that tracks speed and distance. The Timex Ironman Triathlon costs roughly $200.

Reach me on my cell

Maybe you aren't hard-core enough to invest $200 in a high-tech sports watch, but you still appreciate a techno training partner. If you already have a cell phone with GPS capability, you can get some speed and distance data for $9.99 month.

Sprint and Nextel users can sign up for BiM Active, or Bones in Motion, which will record your distance, speed, location, elevation and calorie burn. At the end of your workout, push a button and the information is uploaded to the Internet, where you can view a performance summary and map your progress.

The system works for walkers as well as runners, but it does not have a heart rate monitor link. Still, if you carry a phone on your outings for safety's sake, this could be a nice feature without extra baggage.

Other options: Bones in Motion says it's the only ones with this service. Visit bonesinmotion.com for info.

How far, how fast

GPS isn't much use inside the gym, so if you combine treadmill workouts with trail runs you'll need different technology to calculate your velocity.

Polar's RS200sd sport watch comes with a "foot pod" that attaches to your running shoe and measures acceleration. Unlike GPS-driven devices, it works indoors, has no gaps in coverage, and won't leave you stalled on the sidewalk waiting for a signal to kick in.

"It's very accurate right out of the box," said Kris Hartner, owner of the Naperville Running Company. "It's nearly as accurate as GPS, and more reliable."

Polar's device includes a heart rate monitor so you can combine speed and distance data with your heart rate. Over time, tracking your heart rate while running the same pace will let you see how your performance is improving.

The RS200sd costs roughly $220 and is available at running and sporting goods stores.

Other options: Polar makes a fancier running computer, the S625X, for $370. Nike also makes a speed and distance computer that uses an accelerometer. The Nike Triax CV10 runs roughly $269.

Digital fitness

Even traditional heart-rate monitors aren't what they used to be. Newer models are smaller, sleeker and come with extra features for people looking for more feedback in their workout.

Polar's F-11 monitor features a "Keeps U Fit" program that will suggest specific workouts each day based on your height, weight, heart rate, fitness goals and how much time you have to work out. The newer F-55 does all that, plus it recommends strength workouts.

In April, Polar will issue the F-11 in streamlined styles that are designed for women; they come in stylish colors and are sized for smaller wrists. You still have to wear the chest strap, however. Models that feature wrist or finger sensors are not as accurate, Hartner said.

The F-11 retails for around $160. The F-55 will cost $220 when it arrives in sporting goods stores next month.

Other options: Dozens of heart rate monitors are on the market, with basic models available for less than $50. Nike and Timex also make versions designed for women.

Walk in style

Tracking how many steps you take each day can be a powerful motivator. That is, until your cheap plastic pedometer breaks off your waistband and falls in the toilet.

It might be time to trade up.

The DashTrak fitness monitor from WalkStyles has a super-strong metal clasp to keep it in place. It offers some of the high-tech features seen in sport watches without the bulk of a Dick Tracy device. The slim, silver device will easily blend into a professional wardrobe.

The DashTrak counts steps, miles and calories, plus tracks your heart rate if you wear the chest strap (which costs an extra $40). When you reach 10,000 steps, you get a happy message. You can also link to a Web site to keep track of your progress and compare yourself to other people your own age.

The DashTrak costs roughly $130 and is available at Nordstrom's and the WalkStyles Web site, www.walkstyles.com.

Other options: You don't have to spend $130 for a pedometer. Good models start at $20. None are accurate enough for runners, but experts said they're good for getting a benchmark on your activity level from day to day.

Home and away

If you're in the market for a treadmill, check out this model from Horizon Fitness. The WT 950 Wireless Pedometer Treadmill keeps track of your steps all day long - whether you're on it or not.

The treadmill comes with a wireless pedometer you wear during the day to track your steps. In the evening, you transmit the data to the treadmill, which calculates how many steps you still need to get your daily quota. That could be 1,000 or 10,000, depending on your goals.

The treadmill costs $1,299 at MC Sports.

Other options: Horizon also makes an elliptical machine with a "10,000 strides" program, but it doesn't link to a pedometer. The company is trying to figure out how to translate steps into strides.

Computer shoes

This year Adidas is releasing a new version of its Adidas 1, the shoe with a built-in microchip that adjusts the shoe's cushioning based on a runner's activity. The $250 Adidas 1.1 adjusts more quickly and across a greater range, and it comes in women's sizes. A basketball version will reach stores in August for $250.

For all its novelty, however, the Adidas 1 never caught on with serious runners, and most running stores won't carry the new version. You'll have to go to a general sporting goods store or a mass retailer.

Runners will see even more interesting gadgets this fall. Polar and Adidas are teaming up to offer a line of clothing, including shoes, that include built-in receptacles for heart-rate monitors and speed computers.

The AdiStar Fusion shoe will include a cavity in the mid-sole to house a Polar stride sensor, replacing the foot pod worn on top of the shoe. Tops will be made with special fibers to monitor your heart rate, eliminating the separate chest strap. Instead, you'll snap a small device to the front of the shirt, which will transmit data to your sports watch.

The entire system, including watch, stride sensor, top and shoe will market for around $680. They'll also be available separately.

Other options: Nike is developing a shoe with a receptacle for a speed sensor, but the Polar-Adidas combo will arrive in stores first.

Source: Daily Herald; Arlington Heights, Ill.

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