Suunto X9i GPS watch - Big Gadget, Small Package

Today's athlete has nearly the same amount of technical equipment as a space shuttle pilot. The stuff takes away from my running and cycling experience, but I know that others swear by them, the stop watches, splits, heart rate monitors, gps, altimeters, iPods built into every imaginable piece of clothing, they want and need it all. I only run with a watch if I need to be somewhere on time after my run.

I have to admit, though, that I would like to try out the Suunto X9i GPS watch. The name itself sounds cool.
Suunto X9i - The world's smallest outdoor watch with GPS

Suunto X9i logoSuunto X9i is equipped with GPS, a compass, chronograph, altimeter, and barometer providing everything you need for a successful journey. Whether you are hiking or skiing in the backcountry, moutaineering, kayaking or fishing, Suunto X9i will get you there and back safely. It records and stores your data for later anaylsis in the Suunto software.

SUUNTO X9i is the ultimate tool for any cross sports enthusiast who wants to plan their journey carefully, know exactly where they are at all times, ensure safety.

Suunto X9i records and stores your data for later analysis in the Suunto Trek Manager software. The sophisticated features of the wristop computer, combined with the software developed to give more graphical representation of your performance, make Suunto X9i the device of choice for every serious adventurer and athlete.

The route functions of Suunto X9i together with the advanced GPS system allow you to create accurate routes, and ensure that you always know where you are and how to continue from there.

Accurate altimeter enables you to measure your vertical performance when jogging, hiking, cycling or climbing.

Ideally suited for fast sports, advanced timing functions enable you to record lap and split times of your runs and other similar activities.

When you travel in unknown terrain, it is extremely important to be able to return home safely. The compass, Track Back and Find Home functions make sure you will always find your way when you wish to head back home after an exciting but tiresome adventure.

Suunto X9i Features:

Altimeter - Altitude, vertical speed, altitude alarm, thermometer

Barometer - Sea level pressure, absolute pressure, weather trend graph, temperature, weather alarm

3D Compass - Bearing, graphic compass rose, bearing tracking

GPS - Resolution is 1 m / 3 ft, 12 channels

Watch - Calendar, 3 alarms with date option, dual time, stopwatch

Menu-based user interface familiar with mobile phones

Water resistant to 10 bar

Power supply - USB cable and a universal power supply

PC interface software and USB cable.

Full access to SuuntoSports.com

“But Officer, It’s Just an iPod”

“But Officer, It’s Just an iPod”

By Tim Long

Three miles into a run, warmed up to a smooth stride, foot strikes in time with every other beat of the fast techno song pouring through your iPod; you’re in the zone. What could possibly be wrong with that? Well, a lot of things according to some who oppose the use of mp3 players not only during races, but also just out for your after work de-stress run.

I know a few of those “purists”. One actually emailed me one afternoon after seeing me earlier that day with headphones on while running. I won’t mention any names (Chaz), but his email said something like, “Please don’t tell me you’re one of those people.”

I’m not one of those people, or rather, I guess I am. But I’m also one of the other people who understand the dangers of listening to music while running on roads and in races. I’d say on average I probably listen to my iPod while running less than five times in a year. That’s only five out of 300 runs. I don’t think it’s right or wrong. I just love to hear and feel my breathing, my foot strikes, the different sounds of the various surfaces I’m running over, etc. I attain a much higher level of focus and zen-like experience without any technical gadgets, especially a distracting iPod. Why on those five runs then do I choose to wear one? I do it for much of the same reasons as everyone else… motivation. Knowing I need to get out for a hill workout and not being in the mood for it, I’ll grab the music. It helps. Thankfully, I love to run so much that it’s very rare to need any motivation other than a clean pair of socks.

I’d like to hear opinions on this issue from others. I know some people feel pretty strongly about it. Marathons are disqualifying people for wearing iPods. That would tick me off after paying $100 for entry and training for it.

Here’s the USATF rule, which leaves me wondering, “TV’s?”.

USATF rule 144.3b:

The visible possession or use by athletes of video or audio cassette recorders or players, TV's, CD or DVD players, radio transmitters or receivers, mobile phones, computers, or any similar devices in the competition area shall not be permitted.

Further explanation by USATF officials as follows: Participants wearing headphones are less aware of their surroundings and may not be aware of (1) starting line announcements; (2) instructions on the course from race management, volunteers and police officers; (3) warnings that a car is in the immediate vicinity or that participants have strayed off course; (4) friendly warnings from another participant that is approaching to pass; (5) finish line/chute announcements; and, (6) directions in the recovery area. In basic terms--when you can't hear what is going on around you, you lose one of your most valuable senses--at a time when you need all of your senses working. Even if a participant is cognizant of their surroundings and "wants" to be aware, the inability to hear clearly is a significant risk factor that cannot be ignored. Event personnel must be able to communicate with participants before, during and after the race.

What do you think? Click on “comments” at the bottom of this article and let us know.

Metabolic Testing

Metabolic Testing

By Tim Long

It’s a common excuse… people claim they can't lose weight because their slow metabolism keeps them from burning off the pounds. Now thanks to a quick and easy test, most are finding that it’s not their metabolism, but they are they're eating too much and exercising too little.

I assumed I had a fairly robust metabolic rate. I actually weigh less than I did in college, and let's just say that I'm not afraid of food. So, when I arrived at Total Nutrition Technology’s Matthews location,within DownSize Fitness and Personal Training, I was surprised to notice I felt nervous. What if my resting metabolic rate is actually low? Will I automatically start gaining weight with that knowledge? Just the same, I entered the training facility and was promptly ushered into a room with a small table, chair, and a medical-looking machine, shiny white plastic and metal with buttons, openings for tubes, and some cables dangling from the back.

After Angela Gallo gives me the overview and instructions, she clips my nose shut with pinchers and gives me a tube to put in my mouth telling me to 1. only breath through my mouth (easy enough with my nose pinched shut), 2. I'll probably drool, so here's a tissue (great), and 3. sit calmly and breath normally for 10 minutes like this.

A long 10 minutes goes by and a beep signals the end of the test. In an instant I have a printout of my results. It seems I have a resting metabolic rate (or Resting Energy Expenditure) of 1915 calories per day, which means I would burn 1915 calories just sitting on a sofa for 24 hours in a vegetative state. That's 15% above average or about 300 calories more than someone of my build and age. Add to that my job activities and exercise and we're talking about a good amount of calories used up every day, "extra fries please".

“Knowing that resting metabolic rate takes the guesswork out of making a diet and exercise plan,” says Angela Gallo, president of Total Nutrition Technology. “Dietitians, nutritionists and trainers can make specific recommendations for clients who want to lose, or gain weight based on the results of the metabolic test.”

The metabolic test is also beneficial for people wanting to increase lean muscle mass or manage hormonal imbalances better.

My test was taken at Total Nutrition Technology’s Matthews location, managed by Nancy Ulmann, RD, LDN, in DownSize Fitness and Personal Training. The metabolic test can be taken at any one of Total Nutrition Technology’s seven Charlotte area locations.

Mention this article and receive 10% off any of Total Nutrition Technology’s health and nutrition services and also receive a complimentary nutrition assessment.

Celebrating 15 years in business, Total Nutrition Technology provides comprehensive nutrition and exercise programs for individuals interested in achieving optimal health and specific sports performance goals. Total Nutrition Technology has locations in the University area, Southpark, Ballantyne, Matthews, Cornelius, Davidson, Mooresville, and Rock Hill and licenses its proprietary program to health professionals across the country.

For more information please visit www.tntgetfit.com or call (704) 549-9550 for more information.

Training Gadgets - Futuristic Fred or Simple Sally?

Are you Gadget Man/Woman or Natural Man/Woman?
By Tim Long

It seems like fitness gadgets have exploded over the last ten years. Sure, there have been advancements in exercise equipment going on for a long time. Shoes, clothes and clothing materials, watches became digital, then there were splits and count-down timers. Heart rate monitors were the first big jump in exercise aids. I asked for extra hours in the bakery I worked at while I was in college just so I could buy a HR monitor, so I could be as 'advanced' as my training partner. Not being one to read directions or manuals, I thought the beeping alert when my heart rate max was reached meant cardiac arrest was imminent. Wearing the strap bothered me, if I even remembered to wear it. That was my intro to and exit from sports "tools".

There's nothing wrong with all the toys. If they motivate someone to get out there and be active, then by all means, use them. The run down on some of the more prominent gadgets include:

• Watches (stop watch, count down, splits, digital compass, barometer, thermometer and altimeter. -Who are we, Magellan?)
• Hear Rate Monitors (target ranges, downloadable charts, max hr. -Hey, if it’s beating, I’m happy.)
• GPS (track distance, location, plot routes, download routes traveled.)
• Nike+IPod (distance measuring thingy you put on your shoe, tracks distance like GPS, works with IPod. -So you can locate where you are after you've walked off the cliff while playing with the buttons.)
• Sunglasses with built-in MP3s
• MP3s built into clothing (Geez, we'll all be deaf!)
• Phones that track workouts
• Pump Pod (program that turns your IPod into a personal trainer. At least its battery will eventually wear out)
• Suunto Watch-Like Computer for Golfers (Worn on the wrist, this device monitors the tempo, rhythm, backswing length, and club head speed with every stroke. -As if golf isn’t frustrating enough.)
• Home Body Fat Tester (grab the handles and the digital screen tells you that you ate too much pumpkin pie. -Try a mirror.)
• Swimming Lap Counter (If you can’t count to 10, 20, 30, or 40, then you have bigger problems that swimming can't help.)

Okay, I have to admit to some gadgetry weaknesses, I picked up one of those giant exercise balls. I don’t know why, but I felt silly when I took it up to the counter. It came with a DVD, manual, and detailed instructions. Come-on, IT’S A BALL. I also bought some ankle and wrist weights (these are old school fitness tools).

I have friends who can tell you to the centimeter how far they cycled or ran on any given day, and likely have charts to reference training rides/runs in the distant past. I watch people racing in events, playing with the dials and buttons of their MP3s, stopping to fiddle with GPS watches, fumbling with multi-purpose belts holding water, sports drinks, gels, pills, powders, sunscreen, and stuff I probably don’t even know about yet. It makes Batman’s utility belt look like a simple Jethro rope belt.

Do we need all these things? Probably not, but like pointed out earlier, if it motivates someone to get out there and be active, meet new people, lose weight, and have a more positive outlook, then by all means try them out! I'll be busy figuring out how to use my new ball.