Tech: Discover Some Of The Latest Tools That Help Give You And Edge During Your Training
A jump rope, medicine ball, perhaps some soup cans - these were the implements that our parents had to choose from in their quest for fitness. Today's runners have more than a rumpled little notebook in which to jot down distance and time. There are so many variations on fitness themes, however, it's helpful to sort out some of the newest and more innovative tools that will be a technical partner in your quest for a personal best.
Moto 360 Sport
www.motorola.com/us/products/moto-360-sport#designed-for-sport
In black, white and bright orange, the Moto 360 Sport watch wants to be your new running pal by lightening your load. Can your smartphone app continuously track your heart rate during a run as well as measure how long you've spent in various heart rate zones? We didn't think so. The Moto 360 Sport is durable, sweat resistant, and sports air vents to keep your wrist cool. The built-in GPS measures distance you've traveled as well as your pace and works with fitness apps including Fitbit®3, MapMyRun® and Under Armour Record™. The GPS connectivity allows you to use favorite running apps (think RunKepper or Endomondo). Listen to your music on Bluetooth® headphones by syncing playlists from Google Play™ and easily swipe and read your info because a hybrid screen adapts to the level of natural light whether it's a 6 a.m. or 6 p.m. run. The battery is good to go the entire day and you can count on accurate distances measured. There are lots of other sports/smart watches on the market, but Moto 360 Sport is a reasonably priced piece of tech ($299.99) that particularly performs for runners.
The ProEnergy Towel
proenergytowel.com/energy-towel.html
Everything old is new again in fashion and apparently in fitness when considering this cool tool. It enhances energy, improves concentration and cools and cleanses your skin, without the use of stimulants and additives lurking in energy drinks and shots. This non-ingestible energy option is the ProEnergy Towel - it employs smelling salts, a trick that professional MLB and NFL athletes have been hip to for years. The substance opens capillaries for a rush of energy but don't worry - it's not a nasty scent making you move. The towel is infused with pleasant, invigorating aromas like peppermint, lavender, and lemon oil that help to chill hot skin, too. Each towel is packaged individually and is reusable for up to two hours. The cost? $1.99 each or a 24-pack for $47.76 available at retailers nationwide as well as online.
Cubii
www.mycubii.com
www.lg.com/ToneActive
Motion Traxx
www.motiontraxx.com
Another fitness app? Yes, but Motion Traxx motivates you to push yourself with music and coaching when you're training on the treadmill, elliptical, spinning to increase endurance and other gym applications. Audio coaching comes from top trainers and the music, via an exclusive music mixing technique called ActionSync™, matches your training intensity. Choose the type of workout and the length (20, 40 or 60 minutes) and a personal trainer leads you through it while the music supports your efforts. The app is available on Google Play and iTunes fort $4.99/month or $34.99 a year.
Jacky Runice has been a columnist with the Daily Herald Chicago since grunge music and flannel was the new black. Her fingers and gray matter have been busy as travel editor of Reunions Magazine; penning a column that was syndicated around the nation via Tribune Media Services. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
