Obsession Fitness | Exercise Equipment, Home Gyms » Watches, Monitors & Pedometers

Stepping Out with the Fitbit Wireless Personal Trainer | Measure Steps, Calories & Sleep

Steve — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:13:05 +0000

Personal health and fitness is a growing industry, and as with any industry, there are always some products that stand out from the crowd — products that really make a difference. The Fitbit Wireless Personal Trainer claims to be one of those products, so we decided to take a closer look and see what it has to offer and what advantages can be found by using the device on a regular basis.

First Impressions
The first thing you’ll notice about the Fitbit Wireless Activity Trainer is the size. It is VERY small compared to other fitness gadgets. While this is ideal considering the Fitbit is designed to be worn all day long, you may be concerned about losing it from time to time. With that being said, the manufacturer has gone to great lengths to supply a means of always having somewhere to attach the unit. They even provide a comfortable wrist band to be worn during sleep, and a special belt clip for oversized belts. So, now you have the unit securely attached, what can you expect to learn from it?

Constant Feedback
It should be noted that the Fitbit does not improve fitness in the sense that it tells you what you need to do. What it does do is give you as much feedback as possible on the activities being performed. From the total steps taken to the calories burned during the day, everything is available to you at the click of a button. While this information is always available on the unit itself, the best presentation is saved for when you upload the information onto your PC. With the help of the Fitbit website, you can easily see a comprehensive display of the progress you’ve made that day.

Extra Features
The addition of a sleep monitor, which gives you impressive and vital information on your sleeping patterns, is a great way to see where you are really making gains or losses in your fitness regimen. If convenience is a big selling factor, the unit can be set to transfer data wirelessly whenever you are close to your computer. This eliminates much of the hassle of remembering to keep your online information up to date.

The Fitbit Wireless Personal Trainer is a worthwhile investment for those wanting to monitor exactly what is happening to their body, but above all else, it makes training a little bit more fun and engaging.

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Suunto Core Wrist-Top Computer Watch | Altimeter, Barometer, Compass and Weather Trend Indicator

Steve — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 20:49:12 +0000

The Suunto Core is an award-winning wrist-top computer watch with altimeter, barometer, compass, and weather indicator. Building on the success of the popular Suunto Vector, this sophisticated and highly functional device keeps you informed of vital conditions while hiking, biking, camping, snorkeling, cross country skiing and hiking.

With extensive features and a relatively complicated user interface, there is a moderate learning curve.

The altimeter features a range up to 29,500 feet and displays current elevation, shows ascent or descent, and records your session for later analysis. The unique start-from-zero function allow the altimeter to begin tracking ascent and descent with a single button press, without the need to enter a reference altitude. In Alti/Baro mode the watch senses your movement or lack thereof, switching between altimeter and barometer accordingly.

The barometer with built-in weather trend indicator measures and records air pressure to help you predict changing weather conditions. The storm alarm can anticipate and alert you of a coming storm by sensing drops in air pressure during a 3 hour period. Even at home, the Suunto Core barometer can look beyond office walls, neighborhood buildings and nearby hills to help you plan for upcoming activities. It doesn’t simply display a regional forecast posted earlier in the day, but rather the most current information about the weather directly overhead.

Other features include a digital compass with declination adjustment, digital thermometer, predicted times for sunrise and sunset and traditional watch functions including dual times, a date display, and an alarm.

The Sunnto Core is available in fourteen different color combinations. The menu-based user interface can be viewed in English, German, French and Spanish.

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Accurate Men’s Running/Walking Pedometer Watch | Tech 4 O Accelerator

Steve — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 20:40:24 +0000

With an overwhelming variety of running watches on the market, it can be difficult for occasional runners to find an option without an excess of confusing features they may never use. The Tech 4 O Accelerator is a mid-range watch with an admirable combination of accurate readings, simplicity of use and stylish design.

The underlying technology is an advanced accelerometer sensor that automatically distinguishes between running and walking and provides highly accurate readings of your speed, distance and caloric expenditure. The simple wrist watch sensor design eliminates the need for awkward foot pods or belt clips.

With an accuracy rate of over 95%, the Accelerator is much more reliable than traditional pendulum based pedometers.

The smart scheduling feature lets you set the pedometer to automatically start/stop counting steps at a predetermined time every day, so you’ll never forget to turn it on.

Proper calibration to your individual needs is essential, but not difficult. Although this is a relatively simple running watch, acclimation to all the modes and features still requires some time and patience.

The Tech 4 O Accelerator Series fills the void between old-fashioned mechanical pedometers and the overkill and expense of GPS. The simple, yet versatile unit provides extremely accurate speed and distance data in all conditions.

Tech 4 O Accelerator Product Features

Men’s running wristwatch with built-in speed-gauging accelerometer
Extremely accurate readings of speed, distance, and calories burned
Adjustable step counter reads running style, stride, terrain, and pack weight
Built-in stopwatch and countdown timer
Chronograph records exact results to within 1/100th of a second
7-day, 10-week memory
Clock with 12/24-hour time, date, and daily alarm
1-year warranty

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MP3 Audio Coaching and Real-Time Training | Adidas miCoach Pacer Interactive Fitness Gadget

Steve — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 01:28:27 +0000

Every body is unique, every heart is different. Imagine having a personal trainer that listens to your heart, understands your strengths and weaknesses and pushes you to your limits.

The Adidas miCoach Pacer provides real-time updated audio feedback and guidance, adjusting to your level of effort, to keep your mind stimulated and body challenged.

The device connects to an MP3 player (or any other audio source using a 3.5 mm audio jack) and communicates stats on pace, distance, time, strides, heart-rate and calories burned. There are four easy-to-follow colored zones customized to your goals, fitness level, and preferred coaching method.

The package includes three separate fitness devices that work together seamlessly — a heart rate monitor chest strap, a stride sensor that measures speed, distance and stride rate and clips to your shoe, and the main unit that collects data and attaches to an armband or shirt. After a 12-minute assessment run to calibrate the three components, the Pacer begins collecting data as you walk, jog or run.

Adidas appears to have found the right balance of providing only the most vital information without an overly complicated interface or steep learning curve. But this is a relatively expensive accessory in a market of thousands of hi-tech devices, some too complex, some to simplistic, designed to provide fitness training assistance.

For a more affordable option (about half the price), consider the miCoach Zone which provides visual rather than audible feedback. The Nike+ is another lower-priced option that includes a social networking interface, but requires a compatible iPod and provides less statistical information.

The miCoach Pacer plugs into a PC or Mac using an included USB cable. The intuitive online workout manager allows you to upload data from the Pacer and select beginner, advanced or customized workout plans.

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miCoach Pacer Video Demo

Women’s Heart Rate Monitor Watch | Polar FT7 (Black or Gold) with Chest Strap

Steve — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 23:11:42 +0000

The Polar FT7 is a well-engineered, hi-tech instrument, but simple enough to setup and use for the “gadget challenged.” The unique design will be perceived as unattractive by some, but appeal to others — it’s a matter of personal taste.

The Polar FT7 uses a comfortable chest strap to monitor heart rate with a textile transmitter and coded heart rate transmission to avoid cross-talk. It’s ideal for running, biking, stepping and use with DVD fitness programs.

The watch tracks and stores calories burned, average/maximum heart rate, length of workout, and time in “fat burning” or “fitness” zones. Progress can be further tracked with the optional Polar FlowLink by connecting to an online training diary at polarpersonaltrainer.com.

The Polar FT7 is water resistant and uses regular batteries, avoiding the need to order replacement batteries from the manufacturer.

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The Polar FT7 Women’s Heart Rate Monitor Watch on Amazon
See all bestsellng Polar Heart Rate Monitors
The Polar FT7 on eBay

POLAR FT7 Women's Heart Rate Monitor Black/Gold MINT
US $99.00
Auction Ends: Wednesday May-23-2012 10:47:11 PDT
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Polar FT7 Fitness Watch Women's Black/Gold
US $55.00 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Thursday May-24-2012 16:24:40 PDT
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Garmin 310XT Forerunner GPS Enabled Sports Watch | Successor to 305 Model with Heart Rate Monitor

Steve — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:15:16 +0000

The phenomenally popular Garmin Forerunner 305 was a breakthrough in fitness gadget functionality. The new 310XT model takes the Garmin sport watch technology to a new level.

If the price tag for the 310XT is too steep, the 305 is still highly recommended and has now been deeply discounted.

The Garmin Forerunner 310XT is a GPS enabled, waterproof training tool for running, biking and swimming. It tracks an impressive array of data, including distance, pace, position and heart rate that can be wirelessly uploaded to your computer.

Compared to the 305, the 310XT GPS signals are more accurate and easily acquired, the display interface is more intuitive, the software and online tools are more refined and a vibration alert has been added.

Some users report poor performance in water. This device will time your swim, but the GPS data can be inaccurate.

The package includes the Forerunner 310XT, USB ANT stick, AC charger, Charging clip, Owner’s manual on disk, Quick start guide and Heart Rate Monitor

Garmin Forerunner 310XT Product Details

Run, sync, store and share
Waterproof to a depth of 50 meters
GPS acquires satellites quickly and tracks movement even near tall buildings or trees
Tracks bike and run data and sends it wirelessly to your computer
Time your swim
Transition effortlessly from water to bike
Track your position, distance, pace, heart rate
20 hours of battery life
Add accessories to measure power data and more
One-year limited warranty

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The Garmin Forerunner 310XT GPS Enabled Sports Watch with Heart Rate Monitor
Compare to the Garmin Forerunner 305 Personal Trainer
The Garmin 310 XT on eBay

Garmin Forerunner 310XT + Foot Pod + Quick Release Kit
US $200.00 (9 Bids)
Auction Ends: Monday May-21-2012 13:51:43 PDT
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Garmin SDM4 Footpod Foot Pod 010-11092-00 for Forerunner 405 310XT 405CX FR60
US $47.99
Auction Ends: Tuesday May-22-2012 8:33:16 PDT
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Nike Plus+ Sport Band | Accurate & Motivating Workout Accessory

Steve — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:18:33 +0000

The Nike+ Sport Band accurately tracks calorie expenditure, time, pace and distance travelled, storing up to 30 hours of data.

The function of this product is similar to the Nike+ iPod Kit but with a simple, no-frills design that doesn’t talk or play music.

The device records data by syncing with a sensor placed in your shoe and connects to a computer USB port to upload workout information to NikePlus.com. The website interface is aesthetically pleasing and motivating.

The easy-to-read display doubles as a watch and provides live feedback. There are only two buttons — one that starts, stops, and resets the distance meter, and another that changes display views between time, distance, pace, and calories burned.

To ensure accurate measurements you must first calibrate the sensor and enter personal information including age, weight and date.

The one-size-fits-all Nike+ Sport Band is lightweight, Water resistant and made of durable polycarbonate.

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Omron Walking Pocket Pedometer | Hj-113 Upgrade to Hj-112 with Belt Holder and Security Strap

Steve — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:36:42 +0000

A simple pedometer can be invaluable in the battle against becoming inactive and sedentary. The Omron Hj-113 is easy to use, cheap and effective. A simple goal of reaching 1,000, 5,000 or 10,000 steps per day can be incredibly motivating.

The Omron Hj-113 is an upgrade to the phenomenally popular Hj-112. It offers all the benefits of the earlier version with a few extras. The Hj-113 includes a full 7-day history for aerobic minutes as well as steps, miles, total minutes and calories burned, while sporting an attractive new look in a slightly smaller package…all at a lower price.

The Hj-113 features a large, easy to read display with intuitive readouts and control. The package comes with a detachable belt holder and security strap.

See the Omron Hj-720ITC for another popular Omron Pedometer that includes Health Management Software.

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Wireless Activity Monitor | LifeSource XL-20 With ActiLink USB Transceiver & PC Software

Steve — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:47:13 +0000

With the plethora of fitness monitors on the market, choosing the right device for your needs can be daunting. After the choice is made many find the higher end devices to be complicated and confusing.

The LifeSource XL-20 focuses on simplicity while providing a complete activity record of useful and motivating data. There are no buttons to press and your results automatically and wirelesly sync with the easy to use software using a USB tranceiver.

The bottlecap-sized device attaches to your shoe and measures steps, distance, activity time and calories burned, without ever monitoring or adjusting the settings.

The XL-20 is an accelorameter, not just a simple pedometer, measuring average speed of motion in addition to steps taken.

The downside to this micro design is that the battery is built into the unit and not replacable. You’ll need to purchase a new monitor when the battery is expended after about six months of regular use.

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Digital Fitness Heart Rate Monitor Watch | Timex T5J031 Unisex Sport Watch with Chest Strap

Steve — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 21:07:39 +0000

A good heart rate monitor helps you get the most out of every workout and the best return on your time and effort invested. Here’s a stylish and affordable model from Timex with accurate heart rate monitoring and loads of extra features.

The Timex T5J031 chest strap monitor enables you to track average heart rate and pre-set target heart rate zones and includes alarms and data for time spent within a zone.

The extensive feature set includes a digital display, INDIGLO night-light, 100-hour chronograph, 27-lap memory, 100-hour countdown timer, alarm with 5 min back up, Water resistant to 50 meters, Target zones, Zone trainer, Average heart rate, Time in zone and Max heart rate.

It can also tracks calories burned and uses a recovery timer to measure heart rate after a timed recovery during or after a workout.

This device takes some time to learn and program all the features but is easy to get basic heart rate monitoring up and running.

The Timex T5J031 is sized for both men and women and is water resistant to 165 feet. Battery life is 3.5 years.