Nike + iPod + Me!

I am a computer scientist by profession, primarily a software developer by day, and very close second a keen sportsman and athlete. Exercise is a daily part of my life, endorphins I gain from running keep my mind fit and healthy and helps me cope with my daily activities. I am Mr Grumpy without them. Now meet my new best friend is my Nike+iPod.

Apple and Nike are both companies which have excelled in their respective fields, and excelled they have in the production of this fine gadget. A simple receiver which plugs into your iPod nano and a wireless transmitter which fits into your left Nike Zoom+ shoe is all one needs to hit the road. Without installation or fuss, the receiver detects the transmitter in the shoe and automatically creates a “Nike+iPod” menu item on your iPod where one can choose from a range of workouts:

• The basic workout
• A Time based workout
• A distance based workout
• A calorie based workout

Once an option has been chosen, the iPod will then prompt for your workout music, a playlist, shuffle of songs, or any song you choose. Once calibrated (the first time the system is used, a calibration of 400m between the receiver and transmitter is needed), you’re off for your first workout.

Updates on your time, distance and calorie burn are optional, with records of fastest miles and times inspirationally conveyed by some of Nike’s leading sportsman. Inspiration alternatively comes from your “Powersong”, a concept whereby one can choose a song which uplifts you during the more challenging parts of your workout. However the best of this fine gadget comes after the workout, especially for me. I’m convinced that this gadget has been made to get nerds and bloggers up from their desks and onto the road for some exercise as viewing, analyzing and capturing your workout is a whole lot more fun than the actual workout!

Simply plugging the iPod into your PC will prompt you, through iTunes (and an internet connection), to send your workout data to the Nike website for extensive review and analysis! Once you have setup your profile, all your workout data is tracked online through a superb flash based website which allows yourself, the finely tuned athlete to:

1. Track all your runs, graphed by week and distance
2. View data for each run including Calories burnt, Time, Pace and Distance
3. View the run plotted over time showing distance as well as where the Powersong kicked in
4. Input any goals you have for the year, or take up challenges put out by others in the Nike+iPod network
5. Participate in formal Nike events

Nike have also included a very handy widgets page where you can share your brilliance with the world using web widgets, a summary of all your real time workout data for the world to see. Here are mine:

However impressive this gadget (and this record above) looks, quality comes at a price. Prices for the Nike+iPod are expensive and one needs quite a budget already. Assuming you already own an iPod, the Nike+iPod could set you back R1400+. The Nike system is only compatible with the shoes which have the little ‘+’ sign, if you are unsure, you will see that under the inner sole there is a small compartment for your transmitter to fit. The Transmitter and Receiver retail for roughly R400 (Sportsman’s warehouse) and the shoes are R800+ depending which model you decide on.All in all, if you’re looking for inspiration to get exercising then this is the gadget for you, an all encompassing summary of your workouts without the touch of a button, sleek, and invisible with quality that you can be sure of!

Guest post by Courtenay Farquharson

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Filed Under Apple, Audio/Visual, Featured Reviews, MP3 Players, Wearables