Nike Plus – This is a cool new line of shoes with a built-in monitor that syncs with your iPod nano, and acts as a workout coach – telling you either how far or how long you have walked or run. It communicates with you through your iPod so on your lunchbreak you can program it for 20 minutes and walk 10 minutes in one direction and turn around. And studies show that music can improve workouts too! The monitor is only $29.99 but you have to buy the shoes and iPod—but you need those anyway, right? Nike Plus
Tanita Body Composition Scale – They have a range of body composition scales (I use the professional one in my office) that tells you body fat, muscle mass and can even estimate your resting metabolic rate. In my office, I tend to focus more on body fat percentage than weight because it is much more important and if you are just starting to work out, your body fat percentage can drop faster than your scale weight if you are gaining muscle and losing fat at the same time. Be sure to weigh yourself at the same time everyday as the scale is sensitive to hydration levels. First thing in the morning, it is probably about 2-3% off as you are dehydrated but as long as you weigh yourself at the same time of day you will (hopefully) see a downward trend.
Tune in soon for more fun tools…