Your New Year’s resolution has long been neglected. Spring Break has come and gone. You’re just not motivated to go to the gym anymore. So, what’s going to get you back in shape for hitting the beach this summer? The answer lies in a breakthrough product from Nike and Apple: the Nike+iPod.
Revolutionizing the market once again, Nike and Apple have teamed up to bring running enthusiasts some motivation for those long runs that never seem to end.
You’ve seen the commercials, downloaded “Here It Goes Again” on iTunes, but you still don’t know exactly what Nike+iPod does. The Nike+iPod is an interface between your Nike sneakers and iPod nano that transmits data taken from your shoes and converts it into multiple sets of data accessible on your iPod.
How does it work? A chip fits under the inserts of the Nike+ sneakers in a pre-cut slot made not to interfere with your feet during a run. That chip then transmits data to a receiver that locks into the bottom of the iPod nano. A specialized armband is available for purchase that houses the nano and receiver and allows for easy interface between the user and the iPod.
The initial set-up is simple. On the first run, the iPod will prompt a calibration period, in which the system learns about your running style. It takes into account the user’s stride and running patterns, customizing the data for each particular user. After the calibration is complete, Nike+iPod is ready to help you get back in shape.
When powering on the system for a run, a new selection appears on the menu, Nike+iPod. Click on it and a new menu pops up with new options. There is everything from a basic run to a distance run, a timed run or even picking a certain number of calories to burn in a run. After selecting a run, then it’s time to pick the music. Just like a normal iPod, the options are endless. A popular selection is “shuffle,” meaning a random selection of music will come on during the run. After that, you are ready for a run.
“Half-way point. 2.5 miles to go,” says your iPod. It also talks to you to get you through your run. Depending on the run, the voice comes on about every half mile to update you with your status: your distance, time, pace and calories burned. And, if you’re lucky enough to have completed your best workout ever, Lance Armstrong comes on and says, “Congratulations! That was your best workout yet!”
Nike built a special Web site just for Nike+iPod users. The Web site takes the data from the Nike+iPod and creates a page for each user, providing statistics, bar charts and the ability to set goals and challenges with other users.
Sophomore Dan Jensen said, “I set goals every week, and the Web site tells me how good or bad I’m doing in relation to my goal. It really makes me go to the gym and keep on track.”
The challenges are a great motivator, too. Junior Martha Ferguson said, “I am in a challenge right now with five other friends. My competitiveness really kicks in when I see one of them surpass me when I log in.”
With the advent of the Nike+iPod, technology is infiltrating our physical and mental motivation to stay in shape.
Check out the Nike+iPod at any Apple store around town and consider your next run technologically advanced.
