Most of us gym-goers are dependent on our carefully tailored workout playlists to keep our legs moving during an otherwise dreary exercise. Needless to say, this entertainment is difficult to achieve underwater, but that hasn't stopped well-known swim gear brand Finis from helping swimmers have some fun, too. With this in mind, the company has updated its unique waterproof MP3 player, the SwimP3. Version 2 is carefully designed for comfort and practicality, and it's sure to sound a lot better than the splashes of a freestyle stroke.
Like the first version, SwiMP3 v2 uses bone conduction technology. It consists of two "earpieces," which are attached by a cord that loops around the back of the neck. But rather than placing each unit over your ears, you affix them to your cheekbones where vibrations from the player are passed from the bone to your inner ear.
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Finis)
As a recreational swimmer, I had to take this gadget for a dive. My first attempt to wear the player was on the pool deck, and let's just say there were some curious looks involved as I fidgeted with the parts like a complete newb. (In a moment of insecurity, I ran to the bathroom for an assisting mirror.) Here's how it works: First comes the swim cap, followed by goggles on top (the usual routine). Finally, the units of the SwiMP3 player clip right onto the goggle strap, and lay directly on the cheekbones.
After swimming laps with my SwiMP3 player, I was very satisfied with my workout. The music is a definite motivator and, contrary to my expectations, the sound quality was impressive. It's nothing like putting on a pair of Bose headphones, but it's more than adequate for an underwater player. Plus, it attaches on your person more securely than something like the Freestyle Audio SoundWave or the Dolphin Swimmer, and there are no earbuds to easily slip out and no cumbersome wire connecting your head to your arm.
Avid swimmers will find the SwiMP3 to be a good investment, since it delivers a technology superior to a waterproof case and headphones. However, the $150 price tag isn't a fit for everyone, particularly occasional swimmers.
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MP3 players serve many purposes in our lives. They drown out the crazies on public transportation, keep our road rage in check during rush hour, ensure that we're entertained on long flights, and help us stay motivated at the gym. In fact, one of the top reasons why people buy portable audio devices is to have them as fitness companions. And you may not know it just by looking at them, but the iPhone and iPod Touch are excellent tools for watching your weight and keeping in shape--you just need the proper enhancements.
First and foremost, if you're going to be exposing your skinny little iPod to the indelicate environs of the gym, make sure you wrap it up in a nice, protective case. Then it's onto the fun stuff: apps. The iPhone and iPod Touch have a vast array of third-party applications tailored for just about any purpose you can put your mind to, and that includes fitness. But rather than letting you wade through the sea of options out there (and, in fact, maybe ocean is a more appropriate metaphor), we've rounded up five of our favorite fitness apps right here. OK, OK...actually, there are seven, but we just couldn't resist throwing in some tangentially related selections.
MP3 players fulfill many roles for the people who use them. For some, a portable audio device is true to form as an essential commuter companion; others turn their players into home audio systems by attaching them to speakers. But one of the most popular uses for an MP3 player is as a workout motivator, which is why companies have packed fitness-friendly extras into the devices over the years. The most recent example is found in the Haier America Trainer, a 2GB player with a surfeit of features aimed at getting you in shape. At $60, the Trainer is a solid investment for gym rats who want to get the absolute most out of an MP3 player.
(Credit:
David Carnoy/CNET)
The one thing you don't see or hear too much about is e-book readers at the gym. But if you're into reading on the treadmill, elliptical, or stationary bike, the Kindle 2 and other e-readers are pretty ideal.
The key is there are no real page turns to deal with and you don't have to worry about keeping the book--especially a paperback--flat. You just reach out and press the "next page" button to keep reading.
The only problem I had was that on some machines my positioning put me too far away from the Kindle 2 to read smaller type. But that's remedied by jacking up the font size. True, you have to click the next page button more often because there are fewer words on a page. But at least you can read the type without any trouble.
Of course, people who have access to fancier exercise machines with built-in LCD TVs tend to watch the video rather than read something (and some gyms have that nice wall of TVs to look at). But now that certain hotels have started loaning out Sony Readers to guests, maybe some enterprising, high-end gym will allow you to check out a Kindle 2 loaded with periodical subscriptions for your workout. A company called Octo does make a water-resistant cover that would probably qualify as sweat-proof.
Anybody else think e-readers have a future at the gym?
Additional reading: E-book readers check in to hotels
Pst! Hey you! Yes, you...the lazy bum in the desk chair. This is your computer talking, and I'm getting pretty stressed out over here. I could really use a vacation, ya know? The weather is getting warmer, the air is getting balmier, the birds are getting chirpier...and yet your waistline seems to keep expanding. How about this: turn me off, go outside, and hit the pavement. Or get yourself a nice gym membership. Heck, even go to the local pool or the beach. I don't care how you do it, but I want to see that heart rate elevated. No buts: it's good for you, and I need a break.
Tell you what, I'm even going to help get you started. After all, what good would I be if I couldn't recommend some workout-worthy tech gadgetry to get you in the mood to sweat? I'd say that a little music is just what you need to get motivated. There are plenty of MP3 players, headphones, and other fun musical toys available for just about any type of fitness imaginable. Click on through to find the right devices for you.
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iTMP)
Looks like that iPhone or iPod Touch you bring to the gym can do more for your fitness than just make your workout more pleasurable.
iTMP Technology, an iPhone hardware and software developer, announced Friday its launch of SmHeart Link, a new device developed to bring health and fitness tracking capabilities to iPhone and iPod Touch users.
Basically, SmHeart Link is a wireless bridge that collects data from distributed health and fitness sensors such as those found in workout machines and sends it to the iPhone via Wi-Fi. Users then can make use of the data via an iPhone application called iRPM+
The SmHeart Link works with a long list of heart monitor chest straps, including those found in equipments made by Polar, Garmin, Nike, Reebok, Timex Ironman, New Balance, and Numetrex. It's also compatible with biking sensors to track speed, cadence, and power (watts).
While this sounds redundant as most workout machines already have displays that show you this information during a workout, the iRPM+ app allows for uploading your completed workouts to eNewLeaf or MapMyFitness to track your training progress.
The application is now available at the App Store for free. The SmHeart Link device, however, costs $155.
A peek at an Apple patent filing that seems to indicate the company is working on a 'digital lifestyle' product.
(Credit: AppleInsider)Are you disappointed that your iPhone still hasn't made you sexier in the eyes of potential mates? Hey, don't give up yet. AppleInsider has unearthed a series of patent filings that seem to indicate the company is working on a new "digital lifestyle" product to help track and manage a fitness routine.
In a move that could rival Google's upcoming health initiatives, the Apple screenshots show that health information could also be shared with a user's authorized physicians.
The filings were submitted on Thursday.
The iPhone/iPod Touch interface in Apple's new patent filing.
(Credit: AppleInsider)The product appears to be an application that would require both a personal computer (reportedly both Mac and Windows) and one of Apple's iPod Touch and iPhone devices. The desktop-based software would initially ask the user to fill out an extensive survey pertaining to health and lifestyle, as well as workout goals and preferences, and then determine a workout regimen that would then synchronize to the mobile handset for trips to the gym.
Also in the filings were hints that there may be some new hardware components, too, as with the Nike+ iPod add-on that Apple released back in 2006. Like that product, this one could allow users to challenge their friends to workout competitions, and then keep track of rank with a points system.
Privacy wonks might freak out when (and if) this new product hits: according to the AppleInsider post, the survey in the desktop software includes questions about occupation, religious belief, identity, income level, familial status, and other things that go far beyond what the average Facebook profile discloses. Apple could potentially have a whole lot of information on a whole lot of people--right on down to whether they think they're fat.
On the bright side, maybe it really does take Steve Jobs & Co. to turn thousands of pasty geeks into toned, buff gym rats.
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Newlaunches)
It was bound to happen, wasn't it? Zander Urquhart, a personal trainer from Glasgow, has reportedly come up with an official exercise regimen based on playing the Wii.
It's not as silly as it may sound. Research has suggested that digital games can help people lose weight, and at least one blogger says he lost several pounds playing Wii Sports 30 minutes a day. According to Newlaunches, a study by Liverpool John Moores University reports that 12.2 hours of Wii playing each week can burn 1,830 calories.
We have no personal knowledge of how well it works, but it certainly sounds less painful than some exercise equipment we've seen that resembles medieval torture devices. Just be careful with that Wiimote, please.
Dance Dance Revolution may very well be the future of working out.
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San Francisco Chronicle)
Case in point: the MX9 Workout Master by Motivatrix is a full-body workout machine in which sensors on a platform and in a ring above detect a user's movements and input them into a monitor. There are a variety of games, exercises and choices of music to choose from, and the display will keep track of the user's performance. Sound like a video game? Well, that's the point.
"Your body is a joystick...this is a way to take those Nintendo kids and give them a reason to get a sweat," Parrish Graumann, fitness director at Motivatrix, told the San Francisco Chronicle.
The MX9 was on display at last week's International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association convention in San Francisco.
(Credit:
Malachi)
If you're thinking at all about fulfilling those New Year's fitness resolutions, here's one less excuse to stay on the couch. The "Syncwear Fitness Tee" from Malachi has three strategically placed pockets: one for your Nano, one for your headphones and one for your keys, gym ID or other essentials, according to Chip Chic. It even has loops that you can thread your iPod wires through. The $34 shirt is made of the same anti-moisture polyester material found in other overpriced workout apparel--not the cheapest shirt, but if it helps keep you from having a coronary, it's well worth it. End of public service announcement.
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