Posts Tagged ‘Heart Rate’

Suunto Motion Activated Foot POD

Saturday, April 24th, 2010

Suunto Motion Activated Foot POD




The new smaller and lighter Suunto Foot POD wirelessly transmits speed and distance data to your Suunto Wristop Computer heart rate monitor, providing you a more complete analysis of your workout. It features accurate data collection during both indoor and outdoor workouts by measuring each stride with built-in acceleration sensors and speed limit alarms alert you if you’re going above or below your preset limits. When combined with the integrated altimeter of a Suunto T6 or T6c, you’ll get an even more complete picture of your performance–uphill, downhill, and on any terrain. It has a water resistance rating of 30 meters (100 feet), enabling it to withstand rain and splashes of water, but not swimming.

About Suunto
Suunto was founded in 1936 by outdoors man and a keen orienteering enthusiast, Tuomas Vohlonen, who had long been bothered by a problem: the inaccuracy of traditional dry compasses and their lack of steady needle operation. Being an engineer with an inventive turn of mind, he discovered and patented the production method for a much steadier needle, better readings, and a new level of accuracy.

By 1950 the company was exporting compasses to over 50 countries around the world, including Canada and the United States. In 1952, Helsinki was hosting the Olympic Games, and the torches carried to light the Olympic flame were Suunto products. The next step was improving the stability and accuracy of marine compasses. The first marine compass, the Suunto K-12, was launched onto the market in 1953. In 1957, Suunto started manufacturing hypsometers, which measure the height of trees.

In the 1960s, the compass range grew further and Suunto introduced its first diving compass–initiated by the divers themselves. A British sports diver attached a Suunto compass to his wrist and found that the device also worked underwater. Thanks to his feedback and initiatives, the new business category was found. Suunto’s exports and business grew steadily and Suunto then focused on combining its strength in precision mechanics with new skills in electronics. Accuracy, reliability, and ruggedness have been Suunto’s key values from the very beginning of the company history.

Today, Suunto is a leading designer and manufacturer of sports instruments for training, diving, mountaineering, hiking, skiing, sailing, and golf. True to its roots, Suunto is today the world’s biggest compass manufacturer. Prized for their design, accuracy and dependability, Suunto sports instruments combine the aesthetics and functionality of watches with sport-specific computers that help athletes at all levels analyze and improve performance. Headquartered in Vantaa, Finland, Suunto employs more than 500 people worldwide and distributes its products to nearly 60 countries. The company is a subsidiary of Helsinki-based Amer Sports Corporation with the sister brands Wilson, Salomon, Atomic, Precor, and Mavic.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Fiesty Footpod
I bought the footpod to use with my T6C for Ultra-Marathon training. With just over 100 miles on it I have had no issues with the function of this device. Once calibrated it is very accurate (many comparison runs wearing it and my Garmin 301, both measure very close), and works better than my Garmin 301 when running wooded trails where the GPS can’t get a clear look at the sky. No issues in the rain or when crossing creeks, and the device itself it hardly noticeable when on your shoe.

The only problem I have with it is it is very difficult to detach from the base plate when you want to move it to another pair of shoes. Maybe I am doing it wrong, but I can’t seem to find “the right way” and I have a tough go everytime I want to move it from my trail shoes to my road shoes. On a positive note, I have no fear whatsoever of losing it…

3 Stars More convenient than GPS.
First, I purchased the Suunto GPS and found it to be a pain to use. It involved waiting for 5 to 10 minutes to recieve a GPS satellite connection. I often run trails, and the GPS would loose connection and leave me feeling lost in the woods. I “bit the bullet” and purchased the foot pod to be more convenient. It is definetly more convenient and has worked well indoors and out. The accuracy is questionable at times and often does not match the treadmill or my Garmin GPS, but it is in the ballpark. I would buy this rather than the GPS if I had it to do over.

5 Stars Works great, read the instructions
You gotta turn it face down to synch it, otherwise it is GREAT. Of course, if you read the instructions (unlike me at first) you would know this. But it’s fine and very accurate and I actually didn’t neet to make a big fuss about calibration.

4 Stars Quick and Easy
No Calibration was required, it was spot on the first time I took it for a run.

My only complaint is the clip on device broke in one area, I can’t say I didn’t cause it though b/c I’ve gone through six pairs of shoes now (and it hasn’t fallen off yet).

I’ve done some decent trail running with it and through the mud and puddles there hasn’t been any lack in its performance.

Great way to keep track of your speed and distance, just don’t forget to enable your watch to record it.

4 Stars Nice POD
I used twice and it worked perfectly! The price is OK. This product is perfect for trainning in places where you don’t know the distances.

I recommend.

Rafael

Buy/More Info

Suunto GPS Pod Wireless Transmitter

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

Suunto GPS Pod Wireless Transmitter




The Suunto GPS POD employs the Global Positioning System to track speed and distance across a wide variety of outdoor activities including hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, inline skating and kayaking. It adds a new dimension to all POD-compatible Suunto heart rate monitors (Suunto t3, Suunto t4 and Suunto t6).

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars Unreliable GPS
I purchaced the Suunto T4 and added the GPS to track speed and distance. My wife uses the Garmin 205 and the GPS reception on the Garmin is far superior. Suunto GPS takes along time to initially find a satellite. Once you have a signal it drops it throughout your run. I run in a rural area and still have bad reception. I used the garmin 205 for a couple years and it had very reliable reception. I am considering the foot pod due to the GPS problems.

2 Stars Unreliable. Frustrating to use
I bought this and put it to use on an 8 mile run 4 days after it arrived. It catches on to the satellite but have constant trouble hanging on to the signal as I run. As a result the readings on the T3 fades in and out. It is a very frustrating experience. I had thought of using this to compare against the foot pod, however T3 only allows the use of one (either the foot pod or GPS pod) at a time. Though the foot pod requires frequent calibration it is atleast consistent. I returned the product. I have read better reviews about Garmin. Garmin can cost 3 times as much. At this point, however I am willing to pay extra to get better reliability.

5 Stars Perfect
This pod plus a T6 replaced my annoyingly unreliable Garmin Edge 305, and I could not be happier. The GPS has worked flawlessly. I use it for road biking and trail running. It finds satellites fast and holds reception even under fairly heavy tree and cloud cover. I use the arm strap for running and it’s very comfortable. On my bike I just throw it in a pocket in my handlebar bag and I’m good to go. The battery life is longer than advertised. I wanted to check the accuracy, so I ran several laps on a quarter mile track and it was never more than 1/100 of a mile off.

1 Star Upright
The unit worked very well as long as it was position so that it faced upright to the sky at all times. If I had chosen to mount it on my bike rack, it would have been a good tool. However, I could not get it to stay facing upright enough while walking or running to maintain contact with the satellite, and so I kept losing the signal and needed to stop and reposition the unit.

4 Stars Excellent tool with a T6
Have had my T6 for nearly 3 years with bike, shoe and now GPS pods. Have had GPS pod over a year and use it across several sports– road and MT biking, running, adventure racing, and kayaking. Perfect tool for Ironmans, ARs, ultra-distance events– Does everything I need it to do very well and unlike the other pods requires no calibration. Exceptional overall accuracy but for slower sports the momentary speed numbers may not always stay stable due to GPS inherent positional errors- not a Suunto problem but a GPS satellite problem. If you watch for a couple seconds you’ll have a solid feel for your actual speed– this is only an issue while running; my shoe pod has been fantastic when I’ve used it by comparison. Both are more than adequate for distance and average pacing and speed while biking is dead on. Distance is always accurate. Antenna sensitivity has been good for me; challenge has been the link between watch and pod, they need to be within arm’s length to keep a good connection. Jersey pocket or same arm as watch is fine. Battery life 18-20 hours on alkalines, 30+ hours on lithium aaa’s. I wouldn’t trade mine for anything but only wish it added GPS altitude and lat/long/grid readouts to my T6.

Buy/More Info

Suunto Elastic Strap for HR Transmitters

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

Suunto Elastic Strap for HR Transmitters




Designed for Suunto’s ANT heart rate belts, this elastic strap replaces the original strap that’s worn with age. Just like the original, the strap is fully adjustable, and helps you fit the belt under the shirt rather than around the wrist. It’s also comfortable and easy to use.

Buy/More Info

Gaiam Tricord Resistance Cord Workout Kit

Saturday, April 10th, 2010

Gaiam Tricord Resistance Cord Workout Kit




Three different resistance cords let your train progressively ” use the purple cord for light resistance, the green cord for medium resistance and the blue cord for heavy resistance. Foam-cushioned handles keep your hands comfortable as you strengthen and define your muscles. Includes a DVD featuring Charles Shand, who will teach you how the cords can be used to boost your metabolism and heart rate while sculpting your arms, legs and torso. Includes three 4″ latex resistance cords, one pair of handles and a 40 minute DVD.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Great deal, great quality
The tricord is a great product. It comes with a DVD workout video. My wife wanted to find resistence bands for light workouts and some of the other products out there only had one handle for 3 bands. These bands all have their own handles with three different resistence: light, medium, heavy. Great for a nice quick little workout.

My only gripe is that certain exercises on the DVD require you to wrap the bands around your hand to increase resistence, but the bands are too short in some exercises or too long in others. Minor gripe.

1 Star Don’t Buy This!!!
I am a relatively active and healthy runner, 36 at the time of using this. The deep knee lunges actually were the catalyst for a knee injury that has lasted a year. DO NOT DO THESE EXERCISES. DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT unless you want to injure your knee(s).

Buy/More Info

Gaiam Kettlenetics Slim and Tone Kit

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

Gaiam Kettlenetics Slim and Tone Kit




Kettlenetics was created by international fitness sensation Michelle Khai, a lifelong fitness advocate, former professional dancer and all-star celebrity trainer. Kettlenetics is a totally unique, dance inspired exercise program that uses the kBell to swing, slim and sculpt your entire body strong and slender. The easy flowing moves are set to incredible, upbeat music, for fast, fun, total body slimming.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Surprisingly difficult and easy at the same time!
OK, I received this last week. I’ve done the workout twice. I exercise pretty regularly now 4 times a week. I couldn’t get through the 20 minute workout without stopping. I like the flowing movement of the workout, Michelle’s cuing is not the best, but the moves are pretty easy, its that darn kettlebell that makes you sweat! Definitely felt the soreness the next day, but in a good way. I will incorporate these workouts into my rotation. I’m looking forward to doing the longer workout soon.

4 Stars Good workout with a light weight
I’ve only recently discovered kettlebells, and am quite in love with them now.

Kettlenetics is not quite real kettlebell training, but instead is a fusion between kettlebells and dance. If you’re looking for the hardcore kettlebell training, you aren’t going to find it here.

However, if you’re looking for a workout that will move your body, get you using muscles that you haven’t necessarily used before, rev your heart rate up, and make you feel good afterwards, this will do all of the above.

The kbell is small, only 4 pounds, much smaller than the kettlebells that I use in my regular kettlebell training, but it works for the moves that Michelle Kai has developed. The flowing graceful dance moves just would not work with an 18lb, 26lb, or even larger kettlebell. The size of this small kettlebell gives you enough resistance to help you with good form in the movements, without putting too much strain on you, especially if you aren’t used to working with a kettlebell, which is intensely different than any other kind of weight training.

3 Stars Excellent DVD, Poor Equipment
This is my first Amazon product review, so bear with me.

I ordered the Gaiam Kettlenetics Slim and Tone Kit based on the previous reviewers’ opinions. The kit arrived promptly and without any damage to the package, so kudos to Amazon.

I was completely surprised when I opened the box and discovered that the kettlebell was a tiny 4 pound thing that I can barely hold in one of my XL hands. Needless to say, I was very disappointed. The kettlebell is pictured on the box, held by the instructor. There’s nothing to indicate that the handle is incredibly small! Or that this kit is intended for women only.

Luckily, I was able to adapt by substituting one of my dumbbells for all of the workouts on the DVD. Each workout is excellent - well lit, plenty of good camera angles, and the instructor is very helpful, explaining not only the fundamentals of the kettlebell workout, but the reasons why you’re doing all of the various movements. She’s exactly right in her approach. I never felt like a beginner, even though this is my first experience with kettlebells.

My advise is to try and find the DVD sold seperatly and buy a larger kettlebell, especially if you have big hands. If your glove size is XL/XXL, buy a bigger kettlebell seperately. I can’t emphasize this enough.

3 Stars love this workout
The only reason this rated 3stars is because the program I purchased from Amazon is not the same as the one in the infomercial. This only came with 2 DVD’s and did not include the wall chart. Would have sent back to amazon but they would probably kept part of my money due to the fact that I opened the sealed DVD case. That’s how I found out there were only 2 Dvd’s. I did find the whole program as advertised in infomercial for $38 on Qvc. I will always check there first in the future. Other than that I have to say that these workouts are the best. Great cardio and resistance all in one, love it.

5 Stars Good workout
I thought I would give it a try, it was only $37.00 so I figured I wouldn’t be out much if I didn’t like it. I was skeptical about the low weight - 4lbs? What is that going to do? The first time I did the 20 min basics workout I could barely finish it! I didn’t realize I was that out of shape! It’s a lot of continuous movement, especially squats! It also works the arms, shoulders & abs. It really gets your heart rate up! My legs/thighs (inner, gluts, hamstrings) were sore for the next couple days after the first couple workouts. I’ve been doing it 3 times a week for about a month. It’s a great workout out and I have suggested it to friends. I’ll give it another month or 2 before I try the 40 min workout or even consider going up in weight!

Buy/More Info