The research is tipped via a patent filing called “Interfacing Portable Media Devices And Sports Equipment.” The patent surfaced this week in the trademark and patent office database, but was filed on October 12, 2011. Interestingly, one of the names on the filing is Apple engineer Donald Ginsberg. Ginsberg heads up that Apple Made for iPod program.

The patent outlines a way the workout data from your Apple device can be shared in real-time with your friends who may be working out with you or on similar equipment. Apparently, if you and a friend are in the gym, and you are both on the treadmill, you would immediately be able to share data on things like speed and time so you can compete to see who can go the furthest the quickest. The coolest part is the patent claims you can share this data with people next to you in your gym or friends around the world who are working out at the same time using Wi-Fi or cellular network connection.

[via 9to5Mac]

Pair the FR70 with an optional Garmin foot pod, however, and it can track your speed and distance while walking, jogging or running. There’s also a speed and cadence sensor that will work on your bike, or you can use ANT+ to wirelessly connect to compatible treadmills, spin bikes, elliptical trainers and other gym equipment that want to tattle on your performance. However, there’s no GPS integration.

Meanwhile, used with Tanita’s BC-1000 body-composition platform – basically a very fancy set of scales – your  weight, body fat, body water, muscle mass, metabolic age, bone mass, visceral fat and other intimidating-sounding measurements can be collected. Those can be shared using Garmin Connect, the company’s socially-enabled online tool, so that others can coo in an impressed way or gasp at how unfit you are.

The Garmin FR70 will go on sale in November, priced at $129.99. Both men’s and women’s versions will be on offer, though that basically means you can have the FR70 in either blue or pink.

The miCoach SPEED_CELL is designed to help improve individual performance for athletes in a broad range of sports, including soccer, football, basketball, tennis, and running. It lets each user track their unique stats such as average speed, maximum speed, number of sprints, distance at high intensity levels, steps, and strides during play. Up to seven hours of data can be stored onboard the SPEED_CELL to be wirelessly transferred later to a smartphone, tablet, or PC.

The device fits in a specially designed cavity in the outsole of compatible Adidas footwear. The company intends to introduce a full range of compatible sneakers for basketball, football, and tennis starting later this year through 2012. The device itself will cost $69.99 and will launch with a series of apps, starting with miCoach Soccer and miCoach Running, on December 1.

[via Engadget]

With the adapter in place, Garmin Fit can monitor heart rate and cadence using the company’s various wireless accessories; without it, the app alone can measure speed, pace, distance, time and calories burned. There’s also music playback control from within the app, as well as support for answering calls and text messages without losing track of your workout.

Once you’ve finished – or, in our case, staggered to a halt, gasping and wheezing and wishing you’d never got out of bed that morning – you can then tell the app what the weather was like and add any relevant notes, and then it gets automatically shuttled off to join your online Garmin Connect record. That allows you to track your routes, as well as compare them with those recorded from one of Garmin’s GPS watches.

Although the documents don’t reveal a whole bunch, it does suggest that Garmin is aiming to more tightly integrate its other fitness gadgets with the iPhone. The company recently launched a new sports watch called the Garmin Forerunner 910XT GPS watch as well as the Garmin Vector and Edge 200 Cycling GPS devices that target pro cyclists with advanced fitness metrics.

From the looks of the adapter, it should be compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and possibly the iPhone 4S, by attaching to the bottom of those devices. Garmin will probably have to come out with a free app to work in tandem with the adapter as well.

[via Engadget]

That gizmo – described as an “all-in-one fitness and music personal fitness device” – coupled GPS tracking, fitness monitoring and media playback in a compact form-factor, which could be snapped onto a wristband. At the time it was suggested that it could launch as the “MotoActive” though so far there’s no sign of a trademark for that name.

“ELECTRONIC NON MEDICAL PORTABLE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY MONITOR AND FITNESS DEVICE FOR MEASURING MOVEMENTS, INDIVIDUAL’S ENERGY EXPENDITURE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL AND ACCESSORIES THEREFORE, NAMELY, HEADPHONES; SOFTWARE FOR DEVELOPING AND MONITORING PERSONAL ACTIVITY AND EXERCISE PLANS, TRAINING PLANS, TRAINING GOALS AND GIVING FEEDBACK ON THE ACHIEVED RESULTS” Motorola trademark description

The KORE is accompanied by another Motorola trademark registration (along with domain registrations) for ENERGIA, which has a similar health-focused description. It’s unclear how the two fit together, whether they are different hardware options or inter-compatible components of the same system.

While the video recording capabilities of the iPod nano 5G are creating the most headlines, the new PMP also has an integrated pedometer for sports use.  According to the Nike+ user guide Apple have published, only this fifth-generation nano will be compatible with the upcoming receiver – sold separately from the iPod itself – and it will use the pedometer to keep track of steps and track milestones such as running distances.

Other features of Nike+ on the nano will include listening to the FM radio now integrated with the PMP, playing “PowerSong” playlists and reviewing workouts.  Any Nike + iPod compatible gym equipment will also transmit its data to be incorporated into the fitness review, which will flag up steps, cardio workout results and calories burned, among other things.

Meanwhile Nike’s online portals have also undergone some changes, pulling together nikeplus.com forum with nikerunning.com, a site with route challenges, weather details, terrain guidance and more.  There are also professionally-designed coaching programs, and you can now publicize your completed workout to Facebook and Twitter.  Nike say there’s also an iPhone-formated site in the works.

The Nike+ SportBand can also be used as a watch, and has a new white background to make the display more easily read.  It will launch in the US on July 15th, priced at $59, and be available in grey with an interior pink band, anthracite (dark grey) with a yellow interior band, and black with a red interior band.

Press Release:

Nike Introduces New Nike+ SportBand and Enhanced Digital Running Destination

NikePlus.com Merges with NikeRunning.com to Create Ultimate Running Site

BEAVERTON, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today NIKE, Inc. (NYSE: NKE) introduced the new Nike+ SportBand, giving runners real-time performance feedback on their distance, pace, time and calories burned with just a glance at their wrist. Nike also redefined the online running experience by merging the successful site nikeplus.com and its close to 2 million members together with www.nikerunning.com.

Nike+ SportBand

The Nike+ SportBand features a new screen with a white background to enhance visibility and a welded seal to improve water resistance. It will be available in grey with an interior pink band, anthracite (dark grey) with a yellow interior band, and black with a red interior band. Runners who enjoy listening to music may continue to hear their run details through the Apple iPod nano, iTouch or iPhone systems. The Nike+ SportBand will be available in the U.S. on July 15, with a suggested retail price of $59 USD.

“We’re giving runners a seamless, comprehensive, one-stop online destination for all their needs,” said Leslie Lane Global Vice President and General Manager for Nike Running. “From finding the right gear, the latest event details, tracking progress and connecting to friends through Nike+, we’re helping runners hit a new stride.”

NikePlus.com

Nike has merged the popular nikeplus.com website and its close to 2 million members with www.nikerunning.com to give users a one-stop running destination online. In addition, nikeplus.com has added many new features and social media opportunities including:

Personalization – The new navigational system includes a customizable homepage for members providing at-a-glance views of your training, progress in goals and challenges, and your Nike+ Mini. Now runners can personalize every run to illustrate their mood, weather, terrain, route and more.

Find Your Friends – Runners will now be able to search for like-minded and similarly-skilled runners, accept new friend requests and initiate challenges in conjunction with their favorite social media platforms. And because no good run should go unpublished, runners can broadcast their own successes beyond Nike+, with automatic updates to Facebook status, Twitter feeds and much more.

Upgraded Challenges – Once runners tap into their own personal running network, Nike+ will now recommend challenges from the gallery to help inspire a little healthy competition with other runners who have similar running styles or profiles.

New Shoe Finder – This feature asks runners to answer a few simple questions in order to receive a customized shoe recommendation based on the latest shoe technology.

Improved Goals and Challenges – In addition to helpful news, training tips, and event details, the newly redesigned site also features new professional coaching programs from some of Nike’s top running coaches and athletes. Runners can choose from a pre-set coaching program, or personalize their own routine and goals with more flexibility.

Lastly, Nike is launching a Nike+ iPhone mobile site to give users access to Nike+ data anywhere.

About Nike

NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world’s leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned Nike subsidiaries include Cole Haan, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories; and Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand. For more information, visit www.nikebiz.com.

The biggest update to the Wii Fit franchise here is that you can move in one more direction than you could on the old version. This way, you can make a workout program that suits your preferences and abilities.

You can pair up yoga and strength activities for a custom workout that achieves the goals you desire. This allows you to make routines that can last for 20, 30 and 40 minute intervals. 15 minigames will be added, some of which include skateboarding and juggling. There is also a minigame that uses Mario elements to create a platforming level where you are Mario himself.

This is not a joke. These are completely real. The Riiflex Wiimote weights are intended to make your hacking and slashing down of zombies in Dead Rising all the more vigorous and lifelike. Actually, it’s meant to be used with any game, and I could see this actually making these sporty, fitness oriented games a lot more productive.

You can get a pair of the Riiflex weights now for $34.95 for the two-pound version and $39.95 for the four-pound version, but if you pre-order, you get a 30% discount. Then all you have to do is snap in your Wiimote and nunchuck and you’re good to go. But please, please be careful around the TV!

[via ElectricPig]

A compact white box, the Minutes Gym plugs via composite connection into your TV.  You then enter your personal details – gender, height, weight, etc – and hold the two contact-points: that lets the Minutes Gym work out your body fat percentage.  From those details a custom exercise routine is figured out, led by one of six animated characters (including a dog).

There are apparently over 100,000,000 different guided workouts, each lasting three-minutes, and the Minutes Gym can store and display up to three months of your workout history.  It weighs just 10g and measures 48 x 120 x 24mm, running off three AAA batteries; that means it’s easy enough to take on holiday with you.  It’s available now for $73.

[via OhGizmo!]

Like other body composition monitors, the Tanita BC-1000 simply demands that you stand on it, bare-footed, and allow it to measure your weight, body fat and body water.  These readers are then sent to the FR60 watch to be displayed (rather than shown in big, embarrassing numbers on the BC-1000 itself) and if your PC – with the wireless ANT+ USB stick fitted – is within range it will get the stats too.

The Tanita BC-1000 also measures muscle mass, daily caloric intake, metabolic age rating, bone mass, visceral fat and overall physique rating, all of which are stored in the FR60 watch ready to be synchronized over to a computer at a later date.  The BC-1000 will launch this Summer, priced at $279.99 in a bundle including the USB ANT+ stick, or $399.99 for that plus the Garmin FR60.  Each has access to a free copy of the Tanita HealthyEdge monitoring software. 

Press Release:

TANITA ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST BODY COMPOSITION MONITOR TO WIRELESSLY TRANSMIT DATA TO REMOTE DISPLAYS

New BC-1000 consumer monitor links with remote displays through wireless technology

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL (March 17, 2009) – Tanita Corporation, the world’s leader in professional analyzers, consumer home monitors and miniscale products, announces the new BC-1000, bringing the most sophisticated health monitoring technology to health and fitness enthusiasts everywhere. The BC-1000 Body Composition Monitor offers consumers the ability to wirelessly link data to remote displays, such as a personal computer. For the debut of the BC-1000, Tanita has partnered with Garmin Ltd., the global leader in satellite navigation, to bring consumers the ability to securely and wirelessly transmit data to Garmin’s FR60 Fitness Watch.

In addition to weight, body fat percentage and hydration levels, the BC-1000 Body Composition Monitor provides measurements on muscle mass, overall physique rating, daily caloric intake, metabolic age rating, bone mass and visceral fat. The BC-1000 will communicate with your computer and Tanita’s new HealthyEdgeTM Software to wirelessly transmit these nine readings within seconds after stepping on the platform. When using the Garmin FR60 Fitness Watch and its wireless technology, the readings of weight, body fat and body water are wirelessly displayed on the FR60, while all nine readings are stored in the watch. When in range of a consumer’s computer, the information is automatically transmitted to the computer using the wireless USB Stick and captured with Tanita’s HealthyEdge Software.

“Tanita’s new alliance with Garmin brings an immense amount of value to the marketplace. As both Tanita and Garmin represent the leaders in technology and innovation in our respective fields, it was a natural fit,” said Heather Bundgaard, Marketing Director, Tanita Corporation of America. “Wireless integration with the BC-1000 platform generates the most intelligent consumer monitor available, and we are excited to bring such a revolution in measurement and connectivity to the market this summer.”

The wireless interface protocol enables ultra low power applications ideal for fitness and health monitors and offers all the benefits of digital wireless communications with much lower power consumption than other wireless protocols.

The BC-1000 scale platform features no visible display, as readings are automatically transmitted to remote displays such as the Garmin FR60 fitness watch, a personal computer, or Tanita’s tabletop remote display for easy viewing in various locations. This dynamic feature—the first of its kind—will allow for private readings and is perfect for anyone who wants to keep their health and fitness levels private, making the BC-1000 the ultimate choice for discretion.

Available this summer, The Tanita BC-1000 Body Composition monitor will have two bundled options – the BC-1000 Body Composition platform and wireless USB stick bundle for $279.99 – or BC-1000 Body Composition platform, FR60 Fitness Watch and wireless USB Stick for $399.99. Both bundles will be available at www.TheCompetitiveEdge.com and come with a license key for downloading Tanita’s HealthyEdge software.

The Garmin FR60 comes as standard with a heart-rate monitor, and several bundles also include a “foot pod” that can be used to record pedometer data.  That’s in addition to the GPS receiver, which can record up to 15hrs and 100 laps of detailed exercise records, including route and performance statistics.

Various activity-specific accessories are available, such as bike speed and cadence sensors and handlebar mounts, and gym equipment using the ANT+ standard will also wirelessly link to the watch.  Both mens and womens versions are available, each with access to the Garmin Connect online training site, for workout sharing and access to messageboards.  No pricing for the Garmin FR60 has been announced so far.

Press Release:

Sleek and Simple to Use, Garmin® FR60 Fitness Watch Gets You Connected On the Road, In the Gym

OLATHE, Kan. –(Business Wire)– Jan 30, 2009 Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced its newest fitness watch that sets the standard for wireless connectivity, the FR60. The latest breakthrough in Garmin’s expansive outdoor recreation and fitness line, the stylish and intuitive FR60 was announced in conjunction with the 2009 ISPO Winter trade show in Munich.

“Indoors or out, it’s easier than ever to set fitness goals and track your progress with the fashionable yet affordable FR60,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “While you exercise, the easy-to-use FR60 accurately tracks your time, calories burned, heart rate and other data from linked fitness equipment. Once you’re done and within range of your computer, that information is wirelessly transferred and stored for later analysis.”

The central element of the user-friendly FR60 system is an advanced fitness watch which interfaces wirelessly with other ANT+™ compatible fitness devices such as a heart rate monitor, a foot pod that monitors speed and distance or third-party fitness equipment at the gym or at home. Available in men’s and women’s versions, the FR60 comes with a wireless USB ANT™ Stick that plugs into the user’s PC or Mac and automatically downloads workout data stored on the watch to a personal computer. No cables are necessary as the FR60 quickly synchronizes with the computer once it is in close proximity. The workouts themselves are made easier with the FR60 as its robust heart rate monitor and slimmed-down foot pod transmit data wirelessly and activate automatically upon movement, removing the need to turn the lightweight accessories on and off. Available in three colors – red, lilac and black – the streamlined FR60 comes packaged with a heart rate monitor, and the foot pod is available in select FR60 bundles.

With this affordable yet sophisticated fitness watch, Garmin broadens its appeal to the millions of consumers who want to burn calories and track workouts in a cost-effective manner. While the FR60 processes much of the same data as its GPS-enabled predecessors, those functions are packaged in a very compact device the size of a typical fitness watch. The FR60 can track and record up to 15 hours and 100 laps of detailed exercise data. And because the FR60 records its data from the heart rate monitor, foot pod and ANT+ compatible fitness equipment, users can exercise indoors.

Triathletes will embrace the versatility of the swim-friendly FR60 as it helps them train and race indoors or outdoors, on the bike, in the water or on the trails. The featherweight foot pod enables the FR60 to track and record speed, distance, calories burned, steps and cadence without excess burden. Cycling enthusiasts will enjoy the versatile options of adding a bike speed and cadence sensor and a handy bike mount. Adding to the wide range of uses and wireless connectivity, FR60 users in the United States will be able to link effortlessly to their ANT+ compatible fitness equipment such as treadmills, spin bikes, elliptical trainers and more. More information about these ANT+ compatible products will be announced in March at the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) international convention and trade show in San Francisco.

When used with Garmin Connect™ — Garmin’s online training site — the FR60’s benefits continue long after the workout. By pairing the FR60 with Garmin Connect, users can automatically log their workouts, track their totals, share workouts with coaches, friends and family and participate in an online fitness community with similar interests.

The wireless features of the FR60 are enabled by ANT+ personal area network technology. ANT+ is a leading wireless interface protocol enabling ultra low power applications like fitness monitors. ANT+ offers all the benefits of digital wireless communications with much lower power consumption than other wireless protocols. The men’s version of the FR60 weighs just 44 grams, the women’s model weighs 41 grams, and each has a user-replaceable battery with a one-year life.

The FR60 is the latest breakthrough from Garmin, which has spent 20 years using technology and innovation to enhance users’ lives, making Garmin a household name in the automotive, aviation, marine, wireless, outdoor and fitness industries. To learn more about the FR60 and Garmin’s other products and services, go to www.garmin.com and www.garmin.blogs.com.

About Garmin International Inc.

Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation. Since 1989, this group of companies has designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications – most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin’s products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin’s virtual pressroom at www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200. Garmin is a registered trademark, ANT and ANT+ are trademarks and Garmin Connect is a service mark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

In addition you get a set of sports headphones, to use the N79 as an MP3 player, and an armband to carry the phone while you work-out.  The N79 uses its AGPS to monitor and record your route, which can later be uploaded to your PC and even shared with other fitness enthusiasts online; in addition, it can geotag photos taken with the 5-megapixel camera.

The Nokia N79 Active bundle will be available in “select markets” at an estimated €375 ($495).  Nokia Sports Tracker, meanwhile, will be available to download as soon as the Active bundles begin shipping; it’s unclear whether you’ll be able to use the software with other handsets paired to the WearLink belt. 

Press Release:

Nokia N79 Active gets your heart racing

High-end handset from Nokia meets wireless heart monitor from Polar

Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced the Nokia N79 Active, which ships with the wireless Polar Bluetooth WearLink heart rate belt from Polar, the leading brand in sports instruments and heart rate monitoring.

This healthy addition to the Nokia Nseries range is the perfect running companion. A-GPS tracking and a new version of the popular Nokia Sports Tracker application – available simultaneously with first shipments of the device – spur you to record and publish your favorite routes and fitness data on the web. You can also share the tracks you listened to while working out, as well as upload and geotag route images taken with the Nokia N79 Active’s built-in 5 Megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics.

“The Nokia N79 Active is all about fun and fitness,” said Juha Kokkonen, Director, Nokia Nseries. “This handset keeps you entertained on those long workouts as you get in shape for next summer, while the Polar heart rate belt lets you know exactly how you’re doing. And with Sports Tracker you can add a new social dimension to your fitness program by building up and sharing a great record of all your workouts. This is an inspiring way to track your progress and to challenge yourself and fellow workout partners.”

“Polar is the number one choice for heart rate worldwide,” said Marco Suvilaakso, Executive Director, Polar, Sports Business Area. “Now with the Nokia N79 Active, the comfortable Polar Bluetooth WearLink heart rate belt takes the guess-work out of training. When you can objectively see how hard your body is working, you can enjoy working out with a whole new level of confidence.”

The Active version of the Nokia N79, the smallest Nokia Nseries device to date, ships with sporty headphones and an armband so you can keep yourself plugged in as you work out. A 4GB microSD memory card holds enough music even for those long endurance sessions. You can add new tracks to your playlists over the air from the Nokia Music Store or tune in to the radio with the handset’s FM transmitter.

The Nokia N79 Active will be available in select markets for an estimated retail price of EUR 375 before taxes and subsidies.

About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobility, driving the transformation and growth of the converging Internet and communications industries. We make a wide range of mobile devices with services and software that enable people to experience music, navigation, video, television, imaging, games, business mobility and more. Developing and growing our offering of consumer Internet services, as well as our enterprise solutions and software, is a key area of focus. We also provide equipment, solutions and services for communications networks through Nokia Siemens Networks.

About Polar
Polar, founded in 1977, is the leading brand in sports instruments and heart rate monitoring through the long-term experience and profound understanding of human physiology and environment. Since launching the world’s first heart rate monitor for sports professionals and athletes in 1982, the company has been pioneering a revolution in training and consistently leading the field in the innovation, design and production of advanced training computers and heart rate monitoring equipment.

Today, Polar provides the most comprehensive range of wireless training computers in the industry, delivering state-of-the-art solutions for active people all the way up to the championship level. The company has a culture of innovation, original thinking and a single-minded determination to deliver leading-edge training technology and solutions of the highest quality for those who seek fitness and sports performance. Headquartered near Oulu in Finland, Polar operates internationally in more than 80 countries. For more information, please visit www.polar.fi.

The device works by connecting to your controller through a cable and then being attached to your pants.  Afterwards, the ability to use the controller’s joystick rests on whether or not you’re jogging.  We don’t suggest using this device at a crucial point in a game, but if you must, don’t get tired.

The jOG-S21 will be available in the near future and will cost around $25.  In the meantime, here’s a video demonstrating how the jOG works.

[via OhGizmo!]

This LED accessory just clicks onto the wheel of your bike. Pretty simple stuff. In fact, each wheel only has one LED on it. But by means of a microchip, each LED flashes in a strobe-like fashion according to how fast you’re pedaling.

Designed by Moritz Waldenmeyer, this clever little device was sold on a bike in Germany in an auction for a whopping $3,700! I mean, a strobe happy face is cool and all, but not thousands of dollars cool. I’m thinking under $50 at the most? Any way, maybe some of you inventive cyclists out there could create your own version of this. It’s a thought, anyway.

[via Gadget Lab at Wired.com]

This 20-page filing shows a more sophisticated device that has many feedback abilities. For instance, it would utilize GPS sensors and a processor to keep track of a runner’s performance as they are running. This way, you could get feedback customized to your workout that takes into consideration your weight, age and gender.

Included would also be an indicator that let’s you know when the shoes need to be replaced or are worn down to the point where they could cause injury. And even though it is unclear as to whether or not such a device would ever be manufactured, it is important to note the health benefits that could be derived from an evolved Nike+ shoe.

[via Gadget Lab at Wired.com]

With a built-in motion sensor, the device acts as a pedometer and so much more. FitBit doesn’t just count your steps. It tracks how many calories you’ve burned, how far you’ve travelled, the intensity of your exercise, how well you’re sleeping and more.

All of this data is then transferred wirelessly over to the FitBit website. Once there, you can compare how well you’re doing to other users. When the device launches this December, it is rumored to have an OLED display. You will also be able to create an avatar for yourself that reflects your progress. You’ll be able to get your own FitBit this fall for $100.

[via Boing Boing Gadgets]

The idea, I suppose, is to regularly plug the BODiBEAT back into your computer to update your songs; at the same time, the system also tracks the metrics of your workouts, including distance, time, pace and heart rate.  BODiBEAT can act as a regular MP3 player, or work in three fitness different modes: Free, Fitness and Training. 

In Free mode, BODiBEAT automatically matches the music to the exercise pace; Fitness modes, including Walk Fitness and Jog Fitness, uses the heart rate monitor to select the most appropriate music for aerobic exercise at the user’s fitness level.  Finally, Training mode tells users when to speed up and slow down for ideal results, while playing back matching music.

Admirable as it may be, encouraging exercise by tempting with music, I imagine the $299.95 price is going to put most people off.  Considering $178 gets you a 4GB iPod Nano and Nike+ kit, Yamaha are going to struggle to compete.

Press Release:

Shipping Now: BODiBEAT the World’s First Music Player That Matches Songs to Workout Pace

BUENA PARK, Calif. –(Business Wire)– Aug. 21, 2008 Yamaha’s BODiBEAT is now shipping at http://www.bodibeat.com. The world’s first music player that selects songs to match the pace of the user’s workout, it automatically syncs music selections with the steps of the user’s walk or run. A total workout tracking and personal music solution, BODiBEAT redefines the capabilities of portable music players, and makes exercising more fun than ever before. The unit also includes a heart rate monitor. BODiBEAT has a suggested retail price of $299.99.
“BODiBEAT maximizes fitness activities, adding an unprecedented level of fun and engagement to exercising,” commented David Bergstrom, Director of Business Development, Yamaha Corporation of America. “BODiBEAT provides cutting edge functionality to those who need encouragement to stick with a new exercise regimen, as well as to those who are seasoned fitness buffs.

BODiBEAT comes with BODiBEAT Station, software that automatically categorizes each downloaded song by beats per minute (bpm), and a small heart rate monitor that clips gently onto the user’s ear. Designed to maximize fitness activities such as running, walking and dancing, BODiBEAT also tracks the metrics of these workouts, including distance, time, pace and heart rate. BODiBEAT includes an armband and is ergonomically designed for ease-of-use and exceptional comfort during active pursuits. BODiBEAT features 512 megabytes of skip-free internal flash memory, and offers approximately 12 hours of playback when fully charged. BODiBEAT has four main operating modes: Free, Fitness, Training and Music. In Free mode, BODiBEAT automatically matches the music to the exercise pace, selecting songs that mirror the tempo of the user’s jogging or walking speed. Fitness modes include Walk Fitness and Jog Fitness, each of which works in conjunction with the heart rate monitor to select the most appropriate music for optimal aerobic exercise at the user’s fitness level. Like a personal trainer, Training mode tells users when to speed up and slow down for ideal results, and it does so while playing their favorite music. In Music mode, BODiBEAT functions as a standard portable audio player.

Additionally, BODiBEAT lets exercisers specify times, distances or calorie targets to help structure their sessions. When the target has been reached, the music automatically stops to alert them that the workout is over. For those who like to take a hands-on approach, BODiBEAT also features controls that enable them to manually change the tempo. Once the exercise session is over, a log of the session automatically appears, providing information such as average pace, calories burned and maximum heart rate. The included BODiBEAT Station software enables users to easily and intuitively manage the exercise logs.

Nike+ has been available as an accessory to the iPod for some time now, in the shape of a wireless adaptor for the PMP, a connected armband and desktop application that allows custom workouts and records of performance to be analysed.  Users can also create exercise-related playlists.

Google Maps integration, together with the iPhone 3G’s GPS support, could make a big difference to Nike+ functionality, although it’s unclear whether this will merely track your progress or allow you to pre-programme routes and be guided through the workout.  No word on when we can expect the official Nike+ release.

[via iPhone Buzz]

Rather than using step-on board like Wii Fit, the Family Trainer uses floor mat similar to DDR pad which I personally dislike due to its sliding when you are on hardwood floor or marble.

As for the game itself, Family Trainer features several virtual outdoor challenges such as river rafting, log jumping, and etc. Atari plans to release Family Trainer in Europe this September. No information on pricing yet.

[via reghardware]

Instead the system uses a wrist band that communicates with the sensor that goes in your Nike Trainers and stores the data on its flash storage. The band then comes apart to reveal a USB interface which you can use to transfer up to 16 hours of workout data to your computer or upload and share it with the online community at Nikeplus.com.

You can also use the band to store personal stuff like your homework or documents for work, just like a regular flash drive. Way to go cutting out your highly successful business partner Nike, you can apparently get the kit for £40, or about $80 USD.

[via ShinyShiny]

It’s a 2.5G phone with GPRS/EDGE; there is also a 2” screen, a 2MP cam, and a FM radio tuner. It also has and MP3 player function and I assume a card slot of some sort.

The phone is a slider that looks pretty thin, sleek, and overall good. I would never own one, I am not a fitness minded person, but for those that are, it looks, and functions pretty well from the sound of it. There isn’t a price or availability other than sometime next month.

Samsung F110 Adidas Sport Phone Coming Next Month [via Unwired View]

The Walkstation from Steelcase was created with with the intention of making it easier to find time to exercise, namely while you’re working. Esentially you would walk at a pace of 1 mph and still manage to get all of your work done.

I’m can certainly say that I wouldn’t use one of these. I think it would take too much of my concentration away to try and keep a walking pace all day. I’m sure there will be others that would love the idea, just hope that your boss isn’t one of those people!

Walkstation : WorkSpace Treadmill for Computer Geeks [via bornrich]

So if you want to be able to hit the slope running again just like you were at the end of the last season instead of having to start back on the small hill pick one of these up and give it ago, sure it won’t be able to fully prepare you for all that bone-crushing hyper-extending fun, but you’ll be that much closer and you might have the stamina to stay out there for a little longer than 20 minutes.

If this interests you at all, you can pick one up on Amazon.com for $295. Another option is to move to somewhere where there is snow all year round, I’d recommend Canada, its safe there, and they have free healthcare, although you could always go with Siberia.

Snowboard Training Machine [via coolest-gadgets]

There are actually two products in the Gamercize GZ Sports lineup, the Power Stepper and Endurance Cycle. Each of the products is a piece of exercise equipment that hooks into your PS2, your PS2 controller will hook into the Gamercize product of your choice. The idea is that you have to keep pace by either pedaling or stepping, otherwise your controller will be disconnected. There are different settings that control the pace you need to keep.

I could see parents of a child that is extremely overweight considering something like this. However, if your child isn’t bursting the buttons on their jeans, you’d probably be better off limiting the time they are allowed to play video games rather than invest in something like this.

I say this for a few reasons. First, your kid isn’t going to want to play their games at all, this forces them to concentrate on something other than what they’re playing, this will both distract and frustrate them. Second, it only works with the PS2 or the original Xbox which are both sadly outdated. Granted, they are still used by many people, but there are plenty of other consoles your kid will want to play. Finally, you’re going to drop either $160 or $180 on one of these. Just think of the other things you could spend that money on. You could by your kid karate lessons, dance lessons, gymnastic lessons, or something else that not only gets them to exercise, but something that they might just enjoy too.

Gamercize – Forced Exercise for Gamers [via coolestgadgets]

The new Platinum Club Series Treadmill features a port for your iPod that will charge it, play music and display videos on its 15-inch LCD screen.

The screen isn’t just there for watching TV shows, it also has a virtual trainer program that will guide you through your exercises. You’re likely only going to find these in a gym though, as it will set you back almost $8,000.

Life Fitness Platinum Club Series USB Treadmill [via everythingusb]

That is just funny. Consider that in order to fully use this set, you’d have to buy an iPod Nano for at least $149, the Sport Kit for $29, and a pair of the shoes it works with which range anywhere from $80 to $140, and then you use it all for just a few miles before giving up or at least choosing not to use it.

So the 12 miles per unit sold number comes from this math, last week Mr. Jobs said that they had sold 1 million units and logged over 12 million miles, that’s simple division of 12mil divided by 1mil, equals 12 miles per unit. So even with Nike’s complex forums just for these devices, with running clubs, and motivational garbage, they still can’t get people to use one of these for longer than an average of 12 miles. The Nike site has updated that number to 28 million, so that makes it a little better, at about 28 miles per unit, but still.

Nike + iPod: How Many Runners Actually Use It? [via Apple 2.0]

There are three settings, light, medium, and heavy. Obviously you would probably want to start with the light level and work your way up. It is said to help with your breathing and even your breath-holding abilities.

Supposedly it can even help asthmatics by slowly decreasing the need for a preventative inhaler. For those of you not suffering from asthma, or for those who are more physically fit, it can also improve breathing efficiency, which should prevent the build up of that utterly painful Lactic acid that builds up when you are exercising but not breathing enough. There is also the obvious benefit for swimmers of not having to come up for air as often.

POWERbreathe Ironman PLUS [via coolest-gadgets]

The GripGlider is supposed to help alleviate the aches and pains associated with Carpal tunnel syndrome by exercising your joints and muscles with various small workouts. These workouts range from gentle rocking motions to tension band stretches.

If you find yourself experiencing pain while working on your computer for long periods, you might consider trying one of these out. The GripGlider will set you back $45.

Fit fingers GripGlider [via popgadget]

The Folding Trike is great for leisurely riding, and is especially great for the elderly or those not comfortable with riding a standard two-wheel bike. The Trike has five different gears which are controlled from a twist shifter on the right handlebar. You also get two V brakes, dynamo-powered front and tail lights for riding at night and mud flaps to keep you clean. You even have the option to get a motorized Trike.

Of course the best part about it is its keen ability to fold up without any tools whatsoever. Just 3 simple steps and 5 seconds is all it takes to go from a full size Trike to a 28” x 11” x 25” package. Check out the cool video here to see how easy it is. You really don’t understand how little it actually takes to fold and unfold one of these until you check out the video.

Of course, convenience always comes with a price. If you’re interested in one of these, it will set you back $1495 for the non-motorized R32 model, and $2695 for the motorized R34 version. Check out the Di Blasi site for more details.

The Balance Board looks like a plain old board, or perhaps a scale, but when combined with the Wii Fit game, it can be quite useful and entertaining. I’m not one that gets into playing games strictly for fitness, but if I can play a game and it happens to be good for my health, I’m all for it.

The Wii Fit seems to be more of a fitness workout that also happens to be a game, not the other way around. It will likely provide a measure of entertainment that you wouldn’t normally find down at your local gym. Look for these in the first half of 2008.

Wii Fit and Balance Board Accessory [via gizmodo]

The brainchild of sports technologist Phil Hodgkins, and created in partnership with outdoor equipment company Playdale, the i.play system is a network of arches punctuated by illuminated controls.  Children must react as quickly as possible to the control that lights up, pressing, spinning, stamping, pulling or doing whatever action activates it, while their ongoing scores are tracked on an overhead display.  Single and multiplayer modes are available, as is a “base” level which disables the higher buttons.

Winning the 2006 “Best In Health” category in the Technical University of Munich’s Academic Challenge Award, i.play is solar-powered and vandal resistant as well as being suitable for wheelchair and adult users thanks to an intelligently-adapting gameplay system.

Best thing is, it’s available to buy now.  Thanks to ongoing updates the four existing games can be added to as more are developed, and young people are encouraged to upload their scores to the i.play database and compare their progress with peers.  I want one of these myself!

i.play [via Core77]

The Nike Triax Vapor 300 was made with the athlete in mind. It has a 300-lap chronograph and five-segment interval timer. I’m sure that there are plenty of you out there that would find a use for those features, I know I wouldn’t.

The face is surrounded by an aluminum case that curves to the shape of your wrist. The screen is a small LCD that is covered in a high-quality mineral glass lens that will stand up to even the most rugged of sports. Just $129 will get you one of these. But remember, just because you have a cool watch, doesn’t mean you’re an athlete.

Nike Triax Vapor 300 Watch isn’t Vaporware [via gizmodo]

Of course the Webble may be beneficial to your health, I am sure it is good for your circulation or something. And if anyone asks just use the old “my doctor recommended” line.

The Webble is slated for release on the 11th of June, no word yet on pricing or availability.

Webble Mobile Foot Rest [via popgadget]

This rope is for those who have no coordination, or at least that is what they are claiming. If you watch the video advertisement on the manufacturer’s website it just boggles the mind even more. Basically what it boils down to is they are trying to market yet another overpriced product for your poor senile grandmother who doesn’t even know what day it is.

The best part is they are selling this junk for around $60 plus shipping and handling. Maybe for another $50 they will give you an attachment that adds a rope to it, wouldn’t that be brilliant?!

Jump Snap lets you jump without the rope [via Geekologie]

It, like most other ones, is for your core (aka the abs, back, and bum). Out of all the machines we buy I think abs are way up there on the workout machines, I think all of us own at least one(I don’t, but that’s mostly because I just go to a gym). All you do with this one is rock back and forth. Keep in mind as with all the other workout gadgets one way does not work for everyone, so give it a try first before you go just outright purchasing it. If it doesn’t work send it back.

Please, don’t let it collect dust in some corner either. If you want it, use it, I personally use the buddy system. This means that I have a friend who loves me enough to pull me out of the house kicking and screaming to go to the gym. Yes, I have awesome friends. The Core Flex Body Gym has a padded headrest that cradles your neck and a design that massages your back while you’re using it. It is priced at $60 which is not too shabby.

Core Flex Body Gym for a rocking body [via Gizmodiva]