Polar Electro UK have introduced a range of new look heart rate monitors that will help complete any workout experience in style. By combining attractive looks with their most innovative features, Polar have created their popular range of fitness monitors in fresh and exciting new colours.

Dispelling the myth that heart rate monitors are only for elite athletes, Polar’s impressive looking monitors have been developed to allow all exercisers to train in style and at a heart rate that is beneficial and effective to them and their personal needs.

Reinforcing their commitment to personalised training, Polar’s new range of F4, F6 and F11 exercise motivators will not only assist but also compliment a workout.

By incorporating their trademark features with attractive new looks, Polar have developed their fitness monitors in 10 new vibrant colours. As the ultimate training partner for anyone challenging themselves to new fitness levels or working on weight loss goals, these new look monitors will enhance workout effectiveness and improve training results, accented with cool design.

Including features for planning, monitoring and analyzing your workout, Polar’s fitness monitors are one of the most effective motivational tools to own.

Recording and reading the instant and accurate feedback on the calories being burnt, how the body is responding to exercise and the intensity of the training, is the best way to keep you going. From one glance at the stylish wrist unit users will know if they are burning fat or building stamina through their tailored cardio workout programme.

Available now in attractive new colours including: electrifying Pink Fizz, Red Fire, Blue Glow, Green Tea and Blue Gold, these innovative monitors will surely help to ensure exercisers achieve their fitness goals.

Kettler has added 4 new machines to their selection of cross trainers that include the MONDEO ST CROSS TRAINER, the CTR 3 CROSS TRAINER, the VITO EXT CROSS TRAINER and the NORDIC TRAINER.

Earlier this month we featured the all new Nordic Trainer, but today we have a look at the Mondeo ST Cross Trainer.

The MONDEO ST is a good all-round cross trainer that works all major muscle groups. It is fitted with high quality double ball bearings and the rear disk joints have quality pendulum ball bearings which ensure a smooth action. It has a 15 stage resistance setup which is generated by a motorised magnetic-brake system.

The display console is a high resolution LCD with twin display. The graphic display shows load profile while the digital display provides details of load stage, stride rate, speed, distance covered per session, total distance covered, energy consumption, pulse rate, exercising pulse rate with percentage display of set upper limit, recovery pulse rate with general fitness mark between 1 and 6.

You can get your average values at end of training session for pulse rate, speed, and stride rate. There are many different pre-exercise settings which can easily be entered on the sweat-proof foil keypad.

The computer can automatically set an exercising pulse range depending on training target and performance level (fit/fat/manual). It will display your heart rate as a percentage display of current pulse rate with reference to your maximum pulse rate. Pulse measurement is by hand sensors or ear clip. Cardio pulse set is available as optional accessory

There are 8 different training programs to choose from including pulse-rate controlled training.

RRP £550

The new Bodylink® System from Timex is the total package when it comes to helping you achieve your training goals. Regardless of whether you’re working to become fitter or training for a particular target time, the Timex Bodylink® System can help you achieve your goal.

Improvements on the first generation Bodylink® System include four linked interval timers, which can be used in conjunction with heart rate or just as a timing device. Additionally, the new 3D GPS unit is smaller and lighter, suitable for all types of weather, built-up and wooded areas.

The predictive finish timer allows you to train and compete at the correct pace for your target time. The unit is constantly updating indicating whether you should speed up or slow down.

With the summary mode the Bodylink® System allows you to review altitude, speed, distance and heart rate performance data at end of each workout. Whilst exercising the 3Line LCD displays Speed, Heart Rate, Lap Pace, Distance and Ascent Rate in various customisable formats.

The Timex Bodylink® System comes with the ability to view Heart Rate, Altitude and Speed + Distance Data whilst training. Timex’s digital transmission system protects your data from other heart rate monitors and most exercise
equipment.

The Timex Bodylink® System offers athletes and fitness enthusiasts the ability to track, store and analyse several key indicators of personal performance.

Using the very latest in digital technology, the Bodylink® System is a network of up to 4 devices worn on the body that act together as single information and sport monitoring system.

With the purchase of the Data Recorder 2 (accessory), the Timex Trainer software automatically uploads and logs workout data, generates graphs and calculates summaries.

Sports training in the modern world just received a boost… of bass. Timex has unveiled the iControl ™ watch, a functionally advanced sports watch that also serves as a wireless operating device for Apple’s iPod.

ASSIST creative resources Ltd are the UK’s distributor for Timex sports products have also announced for launch into the UK the Timex® Ironman* iControl™

The newest addition of Timex’s Ironman*, the iControl wirelessly syncs with a user’s iPod for convenient music control during any activity. Equipment designed to work with a body in motion, iControl is sleek, light-weight and water-resistant.

“The days of fumbling for your iPod in mid-stride are over,” said Heberto Calves, Vice President of Sports Marketing. “iControl offers cutting edge technology and contemporary design, in addition to the functional quality and durability people have come to expect from Timex.”

iControl remains true to the sports functionality of the Timex Ironman watch, and boasts the following:

• iPod controls : Play/Pause, Volume Up/Down, Track Forward/Back
• 50-lap memory recall chronograph
• Training log stores current workout with date, best lap and average lap
• Multi-mode countdown timer
• 2 interval timers for speed and endurance training
• 3 customizable alarms for daily, weekday and weekend settings
• INDIGLO® night-light with NIGHT-MODE® feature
• 3-year battery life
• water resistant to 100m

The iControl™ watch in the UK will be available at John Lewis stores, as well as sporting goods stores nationwide. It is offered in combinations of gray and black, as well as white, pink, blue, orange and green. iControl retails for £79.99

Kettler have just launched their new range of bicycle ergometers that includes the new Golf ST Pro.

The Kettler Golf S Pro has always been one of the most popular bikes on the market. But the new version, the Golf ST Pro, offers even more. The motor controlled magnetic brake system provides resistance in 15 steps.

You can get fit with a choice of 8 pre-set training programmes that includes pulse-controlled training and pulse-range settings for stamina training and fat burning.

All the information you require about your workout is displayed on the exercise bikes smart computer including calorie consumption calculated with reference to resistance for a more accurate reading.

The low mounting height adjustable saddle positions, variable hand sensors and wide handlebars make the Golf ST Pro a real all-rounder for young and old.

The Exercise Bike is an indoor piece of equipment that simulates the action of cycling.

It is very popular in gyms and can be purchased for home use. You can use the bike to get a great cardiovascular workout. It’s a low impact machine which means that there is less stress placed on your joints when exercising.

Exercise bikes have the advantage of being smaller than other cardiovascular machines such as a treadmill, or elliptical trainer.

Exercise bikes can help you to get the maximum benefit from your workout within the time available. When you’re on the bike you are in control of your session. You can repeat a session and compare your performances.

The bike provides you with a cardiovascular workout and engages the major muscles of your legs.

Most good exercise bikes have the following features:

• Variable resistance levels
• Console that displays elapsed time, distance, revs per minute, calories burned, power output
• Pre-programmed workouts
• Heart rate monitoring
• Adjustable seat
• Pedals with adjustable toe straps

Kettler have just launched their new range of multi-gyms that includes the new Basic E Power Centre, the Ultra E and the Ultra Pro E.

All three models come with the new Gymmonitor computer that allows you to store settings for 6 different exercises and data for upto 4 people.

The Gymmonitor measures time, exercise repeats, raining sets, display of weight per repeat and total weight. An audible signal is heard when the target range is reached.

The Kettler BASIC Powercentre (right) is a compact power pack that occupies less than 1.5 square meters and has an 80Kg weight stack. RRP £750 / €1073

The Ultra E (left) is a complete workout centre for the home that allows you to work the major muscles of your chest, back, legs, arms and shoulders. The 80Kg weight stack can be further increased to 100kg for a more intense workout. RRP £995 / € 1423

The ULTRA-PRO E (right) is a complete fitness studio that occupies 4 square metres. Due to two weight blocks independent of each other it’s possible for 2 people to exercise at the same time. Now you have no excuse for not working out with a friend. RRP £1500 / €2146

Buying a multi-gym is a significant investment and can be a daunting experience. With so many different brands and types to choose from it’s difficult to know which is the right one for you. However, if you follow a few guidelines then you should be able to narrow your choice and select a multi-gym meets your needs.

Why do I want a multi-gym?
It may seem obvious, but make sure you ask yourself this question before you decide to buy a multi-gym. They’re not cheap and you’re probably going to have to set aside a significant area of your house or garage to accommodate it.

However, there’s no doubt that if you invest in a multi-gym you can save yourself a shed load of money rather than joining a gym.

Read more »

Garmin has launched the Edge 705 and Edge 605 – the latest innovations in the popular line of integrated personal training systems for recreational and advanced cyclists.

The Edge 705 and Edge 605 will be available in December and provide mapping capabilities, street navigation and a 2.2” colour display in addition to tracking vertical profiles, climb and descent, altitude, speed, distance, and time.

The Edge 705 represents several breakthroughs in cycling technology, including SRM compatibility and wireless unit-to-unit connectivity. Through collaborative efforts with SRM — a pioneer in mobile power diagnostics for bicycles — Garmin gives cyclists the opportunity to monitor GPS position, power, heart rate, speed, cadence, altitude and gradient on the same display.

Edge 705 users will also be able to share their information – including courses, waypoints and workouts – with each other through ANT+Sport™ wireless technology. Read more »

Garmin has this week announced the launch of Forerunner 50 – a sleek, affordable gadget with intelligent technology to help runners and walkers track their workouts, automatically store their data and help them reach their personal fitness goals.

The unit is expected to be in the shops in October and as Product Manager, Andrew Silver says “A healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to come at a great sacrifice of time and money. The Forerunner 50 provides runners, walkers and cyclists with a cost-effective training tool that is compact and convenient. Whether you’re training diligently for a race or taking a leisurely stroll, the Forerunner 50 helps you get the most out of your time spent exercising.”

The central element of the Forerunner 50 system is an advanced fitness watch which interfaces wirelessly with other fitness devices such as a heart rate monitor or a foot pod that monitors speed and distance. Read more »