Sprenzy Shopping Blog

In October, Garmin will be releasing a new fitness device, the Forerunner 50, which is not GPS-enabled. According to a Garmin press release, the Forerunner 50 is…

“an affordable, sleek and intelligent way to help runners and walkers track their workouts, automatically store their data and reach their personal fitness goals.”

“The central element of the Forerunner 50 system is an advanced fitness watch which interfaces wirelessly with other fitness devices such as a heart rate monitor or a foot pod that monitors speed and distance.  The system includes a wireless USB ANT™ Stick that plugs into the user’s PC and automatically downloads workout data stored on the watch to a personal computer. No cables are necessary as the Forerunner 50 synchronizes with the computer once it is in close proximity. Depending on the model purchased, the Forerunner 50 accurately monitors and records heart rate or speed and distance or all of the above. The workouts themselves are made easier with the Forerunner 50 as its heart rate monitor and foot pod activate automatically upon movement, removing the need to turn the lightweight accessories on and off.”

“When used with Garmin Connect™ — Garmin’s online training site — the Forerunner’s benefits continue long after the workout. By pairing the Forerunner 50 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.”

With no GPS, the Forerunner 50 is a big departure from the Forerunner series. It appears that Garmin is targeting the fitness/running/HRM watch audience, particularly users of the Polar S120 and Polar RS200sd. I’m a little perplexed on why Garmin has decided to produce a non GPS-enabled fitness device. My preference would have been a GPS-enabled Forerunner with the size of the Forerunner 50.

Currently, I own a Polar RS200sd running HRM with foot pod for speed and distance. I’m also a very happy owner of a Garmin Forerunner 305 and an Edge 305, which I use for running and cycling, respectively. Based on my experience with Garmin fitness products and many HRM watches, I’ve created a pros and cons list for the Forerunner 50.

Pros

• Size/form factor - an attractive and sleek HRM watch that can display speed and distance.

• Wireless data download - automatic wireless download of workout data is a cool feature.

• Battery life - 12 months of battery life using a coin cell battery (CR2032) versus regular battery charging with GPS devices.

• Garmin Connect website - uploading workout data can become addicting. Garmin’s online training site (currently MotionBased) is much better than Polar’s or the Nike+ site. Here’s an example activity on the future Garmin Connect site - Golden Gate Park Run (Forerunner 305 data). I don’t believe the Garmin Connect site is completed yet for Forerunner 50 support, which means the website features and interface will probably change come October. It is also my understanding that Garmin Connect will eventually replace MotionBased going forward.

• Indoor use - can be worn at the gym on a treadmill or in a spinning class as a normal HRM watch, i.e. no one will stare at your big GPS device.

• Speed/cadence sensor - track speed and distance of bike rides with this optional accessory. Since the sensor is installed on the rear chain stay, the Forerunner 50 can be used on an indoor trainer.

Cons

• No GPS - means less accurate speed and distance data. And no ability to import/export courses or running routes to share with others.

• Foot pod - an extra accessory that needs to be moved from shoe to shoe for speed and distance data. However, the design appears to be slimmer and better than Polar’s foot pod.

• HRM strap - the Garmin HRM strap is comfortable to wear but Polar Wearlink HRM strap is probably the best on the market in terms of comfort.

Who should get the Forerunner 50? I would recommend the $106 Forerunner 50, Heart Rate version to anyone who works out primarily at the gym and wants to monitor their heart rate. Next, I would recommend the $150 Forerunner 50, Foot Pod or the $200 Forerunner 50, Heart Rate & Foot Pod version for the runners or cyclists who want to track their speed and distance in a sleek sports watch, but isn’t concerned with a small inaccuracy in data.

With that said, I wouldn’t recommend the Forerunner 50 to people looking for the most accurate speed and distance information that a GPS device offers. Additionally, if you are want advanced features such as virtual partner training (train against a digital person), courses (compete against previous workouts) or an altimeter, then go with the Forerunner 305. 

A Forerunner 305 is only $165 after rebate and provides HRM, GPS and a barometric altimeter. Granted it’s on the larger side compared to the Forerunner 50, but it’s only 1.22 oz (34.5 g) heavier. With a $50 rebate, the Forerunner 305 is cheaper than the top of the line Forerunner 50 version, with more features and better accuracy. Unless you are hell bent on a sleek fitness watch, the Forerunner 305 is the better value.

“Your shirt talks to your Running Computer
Your shoe talks to your Running Computer
And they all talk to you”

You may have seen this Polar/adidas marketing pitch for Project Fusion, which combines Polar’s latest heart rate, speed and distance monitoring technology with adidas adiStar Fusion apparel and running shoes. Project Fusion was awarded the “Running Accessory of the Year” Award at ISPO winter 06 by Runner’s World magazine.

“The results of the Polar adidas co-operation are the adiStar Fusion apparel and running shoes, which have been merged with the latest heart rate and speed and distance monitoring technology from Polar. This totally unique and truly revolutionary running gear has been built around the Polar RS800™ Running Computer. During a run, it collects all of the information from the sensors that are positioned in the apparel and shoe, then immediately informs the athlete. Everything is collated and translated into information the athlete can use such as: heart rate, speed and distance, cadence, route profile and calories burned. After the running session, all information can be downloaded to the PC, and added to the training diary.

The adiStar Fusion apparel have soft, heart-rate sensors built in. These machine-washable textile sensors work in conjunction with the Polar WearLink® connector - it just snaps onto the front of the apparel and sends all training data straight to Polar RS800™ Running Computer. No bands, no adjustments, no extra kit - just put the shirt on, snap on connector and start running.

In the midsole of the adiStar Fusion shoe is a special cavity that houses the tiny and very light Polar s3™ Stride Sensor. Because it’s internal, the Stride Sensor is more convenient and delivers even more consistent running speed and distance readings, without compromising comfort or performance. And all of the speed and distance information is sent from the very heart of the adiStar Fusion shoe straight to the Polar Running Computer.”

The training system is well integrated and very cool. The s3 Stride Sensor works and fits in the adiStar Fusion shoe similar to the Nike+ Sport Kit sensor for the iPod Nano. The main differences between the Nike/iPod and Polar/adidas systems are the plethora of running features and the HRM provided by the Polar RS800.

The Polar RS800sd (includes the s3 Stride Sensor) is Polar’s top of the line running computer. With this watch, you’ll get an HRM, running cadence, average stride length, target pace, running elevation profile and much more, see complete specs at Polar. The Nike+ Sport Kit is limited to distance, time and pace.

The total cost of the Polar RS800sd, adiStar Fusion apparel and shoes will cost $550+. You can save $120 by getting in touch with your inner MacGyver and invent a way to attach the s3 Stride Sensor to your shoe. I did with Glad Press’n Seal and my Nike+ sensor.

The Polar RS800sd is a great HRM watch for the running enthusiast or data analysis geek. When I say data geek, I mean it in the nicest way, since I put myself in this category. The problem with such a high-end watch, at least for me, is after downloading and analyzing the data the first few weeks, I’ll end up ignoring 3/4 of the watch features. I wouldn’t recommend purchasing the RS800sd unless you are a hard core runner and plan on using all of the watch features.

Otherwise, I would go with an iPod Nano with the Nike+ Sport Kit to add speed and distance feedback on your run. It’s hard to give a definitive recommendation for either system because there’s a trade-off with each… HRM or music.

Now, the primary reason I’m excited about the Fusion Project is the adiStar Fusion apparel. I already own a Polar RS200 HRM with the Wearlink transmitter and strap. The Wearlink chest strap is the most comfortable HRM strap that I’ve used because it’s made of cloth, whereas most HRM straps are a hard rubberized plastic. Despite being very comfortable, the Polar Wearlink strap will still slide down to my waist while I’m running.

It’s completely fine when I’m cycling or during a spin class, but it’s a pain in the butt while running. I’m constantly re-adjusting the chest strap when I’m pounding the pavement. However with the adiStar Fusion shirts, I can just attach the Wearlink transmitter and not worry about it slipping. The shirts can also be used as a base layer during cold weather runs.

So my ultimate solution is the iPod Nano with the Nike+ Sport Kit, Polar RS200 with a Wearlink transmitter and an adiStar Fusion shirt. I have the best of all worlds… music, speed and distance, and heart rate monitoring. Then I can geek out over the data during my run to keep motivated! Or pre-occupy myself, so I forget that I’m suffering running.

Last week, I mentioned the Garmin Forerunner and the iPod Nano with the Nike+ Sport Kit as great fitness gadgets to motivate more exercise. The only problem is both fitness tools can be expensive at $150+ each. For under $50, an alternative solution is the Silva Accelerator Series Speed and Distance Pedometer Watch.

The Silva Tech40 Accelerator Series Watches come in hiker, runner and fitness designs, which are different aesthetically but offer the same functionality. The watches offer the basics of any sport watch (chronograph, countdown timer, alternative time zone and daily alarm mode) along with a pedometer that captures speed and distance.

From Silva USA, the pedometer features…

• Highly accurate step counter with adjustable sensitivity allows users to tune the sensors to their individual walking style. Doctors everywhere are now recommending 10,000 steps a day to maintain a healthier lifestyle.

• All sensors are contained in a simple wrist watch. That means no funny looking mechanical belt clips or funky shoe pods.

• Get off the beaten path! Free yourself from mileage markers at the track or trail! Pick a new route every day! The Accelerator can automatically distinguish between running and walking, and can calculate your average speed, distance, caloric expenditure, and total exercise time.

• The Accelerator has a delayed step counter feature that differentiates between ancillary movements and actual steps. This feature provides users with the most accurate results by delaying calculation until it has registered 10 steps in a row to eliminate overly sensitive step counting.

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

I really like the fact the pedometer is built into the watch and doesn’t require an external shoe pod. Additionally, the watch offers a personal profile where users can choose between metric or imperial units and enter their weight, running and walking stride lengths. Silva claims a 95+% accuracy for their pedometer, which is very good for a wrist mounted pedometer watch.

Based on the specs, my only complaint is the watch doesn’t display your pace (e.g. 7 minute mile pace). It does display your speed (e.g. 6 MPH), which you can covert to pace yourself. To learn more about the watch, check out the interactive user guide for the accelerator series.

The bottom line is the Silva Tech40 Accelerator Series Watches are a simple and affordable alternative to take your walking, hiking or running to the next level.

With the New Year, many people have made goals to lose weight and exercise regularly. Whether you are starting an exercise routine for the first time or a fitness fanatic, staying motivated is the key to getting fit and maintaining it. Motivation can come in many forms, such as training for a race/event, an exercise partner or the possibility of dessert with every five three mile run.

To help you reach your weight loss or exercise goals, here are some fitness tools that can keep you motivated to workout.

• Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) - To get the most out of every workout and to ensure you are pushing yourself to the right limits, get an HRM. I prefer Polar HRMs with a wearlink transmitter, which has a flexible cloth chest strap. To learn more about HRMs check out, Heart Rate Monitors - What’s Your Max Heart Rate?

• Nike+ iPod Sport Kit - If you already own an iPod Nano, this will be the best $30 you’ll spend to keep motivated on a run. I’ve been using the Nike+ Sport Kit for the last several months and I won’t go for a run without my Nano and Sport Kit. I love knowing my current pace and getting a message from Lance Armstrong or Paula Radcliffe after I beat a personal record. Additionally, the Nike+ website provides run/goal tracking and community features to inspire more running.

• Garmin Forerunner - Get the accuracy of GPS to monitor your speed, distance, pace and calories burned with the relatively sleek, wrist-mounted Garmin Forerunner 305 (HRM) or Garmin Forerunner 205. For cyclists, check out the Garmin Edge Series GPS cycling computers.

• 10 Minute Solution DVDs - Do you have 10 minutes to spare? Whether it’s pilates, yoga, kickboxing or dancing, there’s a DVD available with multiple 10 minute workouts to target and isolate various body parts. If you can’t get to the gym or go for a run, watch and follow along with one of these DVDs to get a quick workout.

• Traineo - A free and simple website that allows users to report goals, workouts, diet and weight to a group of friends who monitor and support each other. Users can also join larger support groups to get encouragement from people with similar health and fitness goals.

If you are new to working out or getting back on the bandwagon, try to set manageable goals. Small wins obtained quickly will keep you motivated to work harder. As you achieve these smaller goals, keep on raising the bar and soon enough you’ll achieve that ultimate fitness goal.