Swimmers don’t get a lot of sensory data while in the pool. There have been efforts to provide ways to train with music and many heart rate monitors are now swimming compatible. But unlike with running and cycling, it isn’t so easy to see the watch while engaged even in long distance activities.
This is where the Instabeat could come in. The device is now being developed via an Indiegogo campaign.
The device provides a heart rate reading from the temporal artery so no heart rate strap is required across the chest, while a head strap to the goggles provides the read out via a colored LED that is projected directly to the eyes. This helps swimmers track their heart rate while actually swimming to determine if they are at their own specific fat burning, fitness or maximum performance heart rate. The device even tracks calories burned, while a motion sensor tracks laps, flip turns and breathing patterns for a post-workout analysis. Video after the jump
Smartwatch maker Suunto has introduced its new Ambt2 GPS watches. The Ambit2 S is designed for fitness buffs and offers functionality for cycling, running, swimming and training. The Ambit2 S can track pace, route navigation and track heart rate. The Ambit 2 is for those who take to wilds and it features fiberglass-reinforced case and offers info on altitude, vertical speed, barometric pressure and temperature – plus all the functions of the 2S.
Garmin might have to look over its shoulder as TomTom is set to introduce its own line of Multi-Sport GPS watches this year. Aimed at cyclists and triathletes, these entry level watches feature scratch and impact-resistant glass screens that offer three graphical race training functions. These allow for wearers to race against previous time in the Race mode, while Goal lets wears go for distance, time or calorie count, while Zone tracks a set heart rate. The watches are compatible with Bluetooth heart rate monitors and cadence sensors, and the step up model offers a built-in altimeter.
The Multi-Sport GPS watches reportedly lock onto the Russian GLONASS satellite array in case that means anything to you, Conrad!
If you are considering a goggle search – even if that search is on Google – look no further than the Aqua Sphere K180 Swimming Goggles. These offer 180-degree panoramic vision with a water-tight fit. There is a 100 percent Softeril gasket that provides comfort along with a leak-resistant seal. These goggles offer three interchangeable nose bridges and an adjustable headstrap. The goggle search may be complete.
We like to call out products that offer no real fitness value as Kinetic(Mis)Shifts but the Misfit isn’t one of those, despite the rather misleading name. The Misfit is actually a wireless activity tracker that goes beyond what similar devices do. First off we were caught by how small this one is, but then were really impressed that the all-metal device appears like it could stand up to real activity, which could include cycling and swimming. To sync with an app all that is required is laying it on the phone. The company is currently engaged in an Indiegogo fund raising project and we think this is going to be one to watch. Video after the jump
Trainers are interesting devices. These simulate an activity, and provide great exercise but without actually doing said activity. In other words a bicycle trainer lets you ride a bike and put in miles while you go nowhere. A cross-country ski machine needs no snow, and rowing machines need no water.
Keeping with the waterless concept the Vasa Trainer Pro is a swim simulator for those who don’t want to get wet – at least until you work up a sweat and then later hit the showers. It uses the same principal of a Nordic Track with pulleys and cables and your own body weight to provide the resistance. Video after the jump
All good things come to an end, including the Olympics. Throughout the 17 days of the games and before we cast the spotlight on some of the latest technology and innovations that were used to help the athletes train and perform. Here is our Kinetic Recap of some of the top stories of the 2012 Olympics: Read the rest of this entry »
Under the water, it can be difficult to see every kick and every stroke a swimmer makes. But Manhattan Mocap did just that with Olympic swimmer Dana Vollmer to analyze her butterfly stroke and underwater dolphin kick.
Manhattan Mocap worked together with the New York Times and the NYU Movement Lab to film Vollmer and create models of her strokes to analyze how the body and water move together. Findings can help coaches instruct swimmers in how to move better in the water to gain speed. A motion capture session might help a swimmer learn where their strokes go wrong, and how to correct them. Read the rest of this entry »
The US Olympic Swim team is wearing Speedo LZR Racer suits using the FASTSKIN3 Racing System, a combination of a suit, cap and goggles. The suit was originally under some controversy, but Speedo was able to get approval for its LZR Racer Elite line. Here’s a closer look at the suits that are giving US Olympic swimmers advantages in the water this week. Read the rest of this entry »
Your body repairs itself when you sleep. So it may be the next evolution to squeeze into a pair of compression pajamas to speed recovery. Under Armour’s Men’s Recharge Energy Suit is a full-body compression suit that helps muscles recover. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps is said to wear the energy suit to sleep in when he trains or travels. Read the rest of this entry »
The Olympic Games don’t begin for over a week and already there is much controversy – not on the fields of competition but rather on what is covering the athletes. In the United States some lawmakers are upset that the attire to be worn by the U.S. Olympic Team was made in China.
Then there are the swim suits that will be worn in the pool – and could be a replay of the now-banned 2008 LZR Racer skinsuits. Likewise the golf ball inspired track suits are getting much attention. Read the rest of this entry »
Sometimes the loungewear is almost as important as athletic wear. And that’s part of the emphasis with O’Neill 365′s new collection from Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin. Her new collection has a few pieces for pre-workout and post-workout. Read the rest of this entry »
The company that has made its business in helping people find their way is now looking at helping users find their way to better fitness. This week Magellan announced its new Magellan Active Website for fitness activity tracking. And to help users get there the company has released its new Switch and Switch Up crossover GPS watches.
Magellan Active’s Dashboard is designed to help multisport athletes from a single location for viewing all of their performance activities. Users are provided with total control of data and given the ability to quickly search through all of their activities with a range of filters. Activity analysis is easy with summaries, lap comparisons and easy-to-read maps and charts. Multisport athletes can further record each segment on their Switch GPS watch, upload the data to Magellan Active, and then view all of the segments with a single view. This ‘True Multisport’ experience presents multisport activities naturally with a single view of the entire activity and the ability to drill into each segment such as swimming, biking, running and transitions. Read the rest of this entry »
Swimmers don’t get a lot of sensory data while in the pool. There have been efforts to provide ways to train with music and many heart rate monitors are now swimming compatible. But unlike with running and cycling, it isn’t so easy to see the watch while engaged even in long distance activities.
If you are considering a goggle search – even if that search is on Google – look no further than the Aqua Sphere K180 Swimming Goggles. These offer 180-degree panoramic vision with a water-tight fit. There is a 100 percent Softeril gasket that provides comfort along with a leak-resistant seal. These goggles offer three interchangeable nose bridges and an adjustable headstrap. The goggle search may be complete.
We like to call out products that offer no real fitness value as Kinetic(Mis)Shifts but the Misfit isn’t one of those, despite the rather misleading name. The Misfit is actually a wireless activity tracker that goes beyond what similar devices do. First off we were caught by how small this one is, but then were really impressed that the all-metal device appears like it could stand up to real activity, which could include cycling and swimming. To sync with an app all that is required is laying it on the phone. The company is currently engaged in an Indiegogo fund raising project and we think this is going to be one to watch. 
Trainers are interesting devices. These simulate an activity, and provide great exercise but without actually doing said activity. In other words a bicycle trainer lets you ride a bike and put in miles while you go nowhere. A cross-country ski machine needs no snow, and rowing machines need no water.
All good things come to an end, including the Olympics. Throughout the 17 days of the games and before we cast the spotlight on some of the latest technology and innovations that were used to help the athletes train and perform. Here is our Kinetic Recap of some of the top stories of the 2012 Olympics: 
The US Olympic Swim team is wearing Speedo LZR Racer suits using the FASTSKIN3 Racing System, a combination of a suit, cap and goggles. The suit was originally under some controversy, but Speedo was able to get approval for its LZR Racer Elite line. Here’s a closer look at the suits that are giving US Olympic swimmers advantages in the water this week. 
Your body repairs itself when you sleep. So it may be the next evolution to squeeze into a pair of compression pajamas to speed recovery. Under Armour’s Men’s Recharge Energy Suit is a full-body compression suit that helps muscles recover. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps is said to wear the energy suit to sleep in when he trains or travels. 
Sometimes the loungewear is almost as important as athletic wear. And that’s part of the emphasis with O’Neill 365′s new collection from Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin. Her new collection has a few pieces for pre-workout and post-workout. 
The company that has made its business in helping people find their way is now looking at helping users find their way to better fitness. This week Magellan announced its new Magellan Active Website for fitness activity tracking. And to help users get there the company has released its new Switch and Switch Up crossover GPS watches.
