Diabetes Forecast - August 2012

Health Fitness
Go-Go Gadgets
Exercise devices can help you improve your ;tness | By Tracey Neithercott

At its simplest, exercise requires nothing more than a pair of sneakers. Everything else—gym memberships, exercise equipment, an open road—is optional. But certain devices can help you get more out of your activities, track your ;tness level, and ;nd motivation.

Exercise by Heart

If you invest in only one exercise gadget,
make it a heart rate monitor. It’s what
experts use to gauge exertion in pro
athletes and participants in exercise
studies. Most monitors consist of a band
that straps around the body with a sensor
pressed against the chest (a pulse monitor
worn at the wrist is less accurate) and a
watch that reports the data. The most basic
monitor will alert you to your heart rate,
allowing you to make adjustments in your
speed or intensity as needed. But most
add another layer to training.

This device takes heart
rate and other data
into account to give
you real-time coaching
based on a customized
training plan. Pear
Square One, $249.99,
pearsports.com