debcook

Exercise is a way of life for those dedicated to good health. Each outing tends to be a competition with the previous workout and missing a scheduled workout is a worrisome event.  

Although workouts are not always intense they are important. I walk twice most everyday because my time dictates it. Mornings I walk two miles and evenings I walk just over one mile. I am aware when I am not performing at my best even though I am not officially recording any data. There are several ways that I could monitor my exercise but I cannot decide on which one I want.  

My Nike walking shoes have a chip built into them. There is a bracelet type gadget (Nike+ SportBand) available that would synch with this chip. Nike also has a kit (Nike+ iPod Sport Kit) that plugs into an iPod Nano that can read this chip in my shoes. Both of these mobile Nike devices will upload workout data to the internet.  

Garmin has a GPS watch like device (Forerunner) that records workout data that can also be uploaded to the internet.  It is a true GPS so it does not depend on stride length or foot strikes to measure your distance and pace. 

Any of these three mobile gadgets would do the job and I would have an accurate record of my workouts. I think that I am leaning towards the Garmin GPS. I would not have to wear the same pair of shoes each day. I would not have to purchase an iPod Nano. Accuracy is of utmost importance in my mind. GPS tracking is the most accurate.  

I like that these devices are so portable. They work anywhere you are and can record multiple workouts.  

By the time you purchase shoes, a SportBand or an iPod Nano the Forerunner is similar in price. Figure the cost per day and none of these options are out of line. Motivation to exercise will help you save the cost over and over through good health.