Obsession Fitness | Exercise Equipment, Home Gyms » heart rate monitor

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

New Polar FT7F Women's Heart Rate Monitor Black and Gold
US $85.98 (17 Bids)
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-08-2012 19:07:36 PST
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POLAR FT7 Women's Heart Rate Monitor Black/Gold MINT
US $99.00
Auction Ends: Thursday Feb-09-2012 8:04:48 PST
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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 Waterproof Running GPS w USB !
US $399.99
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-08-2012 16:08:09 PST
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Garmin Forerunner 310XT 405 405CX 410 50 ANT+ USB Stick
US $44.95
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-08-2012 16:45:39 PST
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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.

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Polar FS1 Heart Rate Monitor | Basic, Easy To Use Fitness Watch

Steve — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:38:03 +0000

Here’s an excellent option for those newly interested in heart rate monitoring or the increasingly complex world of fitness monitors. The Polar FS1 is an entry level heart rate monitor that adds stop watch and regular wrist watch functions to Polar’s most basic monitor design.

There is almost no learning curve with the FS1 as it’s operated with just one button and includes over-sized digits, making it extremely easy to read.

The EKG accurate heart rate monitor guides you to the optimal intensity level and includes visual and audible alarms when you reach your target heart rate zone. It also provides information on total exercise time and average heart rate during total exercise time.

This model includes a Polar waterproof heart rate transmitter belt with 1.5 ounce transmitter. The adjustable elastic strap fits chest sizes 35″ to 55″.

The Polar FS1 is waterproof and can be used for swimming, surfing and skiing.

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Find the Polar FS1 Heart Rate Monitor Watch on Amazon
Polar FS1 Heart Rate Monitors on eBay

POLAR FS1 HEART RATE MONITOR SPORT Digital WristWatch - Blue
US $34.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-08-2012 17:05:48 PST
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FS1 POLAR Listen To Your Body
US $35.00 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Thursday Feb-09-2012 14:41:22 PST
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Polar Personal Heart Rate Monitor | RS100 Sports & Fitness Tracking Wrist Watch

Steve — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:45:08 +0000

You don’t need to be a gadget nut to fully enjoy the benefits of the Polar RS100 Heart Rate Monitor. This device is easy to use, unisex and has all of the features a fitness enthusiast needs, without all of the expensive frills.

The RS100 gives you a better understanding of your body’s function by tracking goals and providing valuable feedback while running, walking, cycling or any cardio fitness activity.

The monitor quickly and accurately reads your heart rate to help maintain an optimal workout intensity and exertion level. It displays heart rate as beats per minute and as a percentage of maximum heart rate. It features added stopwatch and time-of-day watch functions as well as extra-large digits for easy readability.

The Time in Target Zone feature calculates the total exercise time spent in your personal zone with audio alerts to let you know if you’ve moved outside your range.

The exclusive Polar Owncal feature calculates energy consumption during each session and the accumulation over multiple sessions. Polar OwnZone instructs you through an optimal warm-up session and then automatically determines a safe heart rate zone by factoring in your current level of physical fitness.

The RS100 interface is relatively simple to use but the push button sequencing may not seem intuitive at first. Like any advanced device you’ll want to spend time looking through the manual and just playing around with the different features to appreciate all that it has to offer.

Most professional gyms feature Polar ready equipment that is compatible with the RS100 watch. The T31 coded transmission prevents interference with other monitors even in a group workout environment.

Polar has set a standard in heart rate monitoring and continues to receive accolades from runners and fitness buffs of all disciplines. The RS100 is an excellent self-motivation tool for those looking to lose weight, tone muscle and get in better shape.

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The Polar RS100 Heart Rate Monitor on eBay

Polar RS100 Heart Rate Monitor---No Chest Strap
US $21.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Thursday Feb-09-2012 18:17:22 PST
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Polar RS100 Heart Rate Monitor and Stopwatch
US $60.00 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Thursday Feb-09-2012 18:37:37 PST
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ePulse Strapless Heart Rate Monitor | Impact Sports No Chest Strap Watch and Calorimeter

Steve — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 23:36:12 +0000

Tired of uncomfortable and annoying chest strap heart rate monitors? Don’t trust pulse rate monitors built into your exercise machine? The Impact Sports ePulse offers an intriguing alternative.

Wrapped snugly around your forearm the ePulse accurately calculates pulse and calories burned using light sensor technology. The advanced microchip easily regulates workout intensity and manages specific fitness and weight loss goals.

The armband is much larger than a sports watch and will seem a bit bulky at first. Once strapped on your arm the lightweight device is non-intrusive, hardly noticeable and stays securely in place even during intense and dynamic workouts.

Specific heart rate readings include current, maximum, minimum and average. It also measures basic metabolic rate (BMR), an estimation of future calories burned based on your personal data input, and tracks your total caloric burn over the course of an entire day. In addition, the ePulse monitors target exercise zones and includes in-zone alerts.

Battery life is relatively short but can be preserved by using the “on-demand” mode. The ePulse uses AAA batteries and requires no programming to begin displaying heart rate data immediately.

Currently the ePulse does not incorporate a downloadable data option to track dates and progress on a home computer. We hope and expect future versions will include this feature.

The ePulse is an accurate and reliable device that makes it practical and convenient to track heart rate and calories burned while performing literally any type of activity. It’s appropriate for running, aerobics, treadmill and elliptical exercise, cycling, tennis, golf, resistance training and even passive daily activities at work and home.

Impact Sports ePulse Strapless Heart Rate Monitor Details

Strapless heart rate monitor and calorimeter
Lightweight, comfortable arm band design
Tracks current heart rate, maximum and minimum heart rates, and average heart rate
Calculates calories burned based on personal profile and heart rate
Includes fat burning and cardio target zones

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Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver/Heart Rate Monitor Watch | Running, Multi-Sport Fitness Tracking

Steve — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 23:45:45 +0000

This extraordinary device will help you train smarter and more effectively and may change how you think about exercise.
The Garmin Forerunner 305 is a wrist-mounted GPS receiver, but first and foremost it’s a training tool.

The 305 delivers real-time information and alerts on an unprecedented range of data, including multiple heart rate variables, speed, distance traveled, calories burned, elevation, terrain grade and route direction. It’s suitable for runners, cyclists, cross-country skiers, marathon competitors and other outdoor athletes.

The 305 is larger than a sports watch, but provides much more functionality. The bulky design is uncommon for a wrist device, but the light weight and secure strap makes it hardly noticeable during a workout. The unique GPS design wraps the antenna around the wrist for better satellite reception and improved tracking under trees and near tall buildings.

With so many available options Garmin has made it easy to program exactly how much or how little data to view during a workout, depending on what’s most important to you. The high screen resolution displays clear and crisp readouts and the simplified button layout is easy to manipulate with good pressure response.

Using a USB cable the 305 integrates seamlessly with the Training Center software to upload and store workout history on either a PC or Mac. While the intuitive interface shows essential data for analysis, the maps are somewhat rudimentary and do not include graphics.

The high-sensitivity SiRFstar III GPS receiver effectively tracks and maintains a lock on your position, although the pace measurement tends to vary wildly during a workout as it needs to calculate from a past point of reference.

The device includes an Ingress Protection certification, meaning it can withstand rain and water up to an extent, but cannot be immersed or used for swimming.

The Garmin Forerunner 305 a major step forward in fitness training technology and performance tracking. The complete package includes the Garmin Training Center CD-ROM, heart rate monitor, docking cradle, expander strap, A/C charger, USB cable, owner’s manual and quick start guide.

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Mio Breeze Petite Women’s Heart Rate Monitor | Compact, Stylish, Customizable Sports Watch

Steve — Tue, 26 May 2009 22:03:40 +0000

This sleek, light weight watch is specifically designed for women, very easy to use and a good introduction for those new to heart rate monitoring. According to the manufacturer it’s the most compact heart rate monitor currently on the market.

The Mio Breeze gives ECG accurate heart rates without the use of a chest strap. The readings are “on demand” meaning you’ll need to apply two fingers to get a heart rate, as opposed to the “continuous monitoring” used on some watches.

Aside from heart rate monitoring the Mio Breeze is a fully loaded sports watch with date/time/calendar, alarm, 2 timers, chime, and a bright backlit display.

The watch also features MIO’s signature interchangeable straps which allow you to customize your Breeze with additional petite bands, sold separately.

On a side note, check The 3500 Calorie Club on the Mio website. The club is designed for fitness novices and experts alike looking for personalized health and fitness feedback.

Mio Breeze Petite Product Details

On-demand, ECG accurate heart rate without a chest strap
Calculates % of maximum heart rate based on personal data
Visual indicator of exertion level
Sports watch with time, date, chronograph, alarm and back light
Two (2) exercise timers
Interchangeable watch bands in a variety of colors are sold separately
Water-resistant to 30 m
User-accessible battery hatch
1 Year Manufacturer warranty

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Suunto t4c Heart Rate Monitor | Fitness Trainer Sports Watch with “Coach” Function

Steve — Mon, 11 May 2009 23:28:43 +0000

The Suunto t4c Heart Rate Monitor and Fitness Trainer is an “intelligent sports watch” with superb versatility, accuracy and dependability. This is the third version of the popular Suunto t4.

In addition to monitoring heart rate, the Suunto t4c provides real-time information on the aerobic benefit of each workout. It displays the progression and effects of your training through constant feedback on how to maximize the intensity of your exercises, without overtraining.

The “Suunto Coach” keeps you on track with intelligent recommendations about the frequency, length and intensity of your sessions. If you alter your schedule the Coach will adapt to a new plan with advice about when and how to train, and when to rest.

The “Training Effect” function takes the guesswork out of your workouts by measuring how hard your body is working. More robust than traditional zone training systems, it keeps you on-target for achieving weight loss and fitness goals.

The cell-phone like interface is attractive and easy to use but the face is easily scratchable. An optional InvisibleSHIELD is available.

Suunto made efforts in this version to improve the comfort of the wrist belt and added traction strips to keep it snug. Also new on the belt is digital ANT signaling that helps avoid unwanted interference. Remove the transmitter module and the belt becomes machine washable.

Suunto has a reputation as a leading designer and manufacturer of sports instruments for training, diving, mountaineering, hiking, skiing, sailing, and golf.