FitSugar

Nike+ Sportband Gets a New Look

FitSugar — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:30:49 -0700

So you're a running fanatic, and nothing brings you more pleasure than tracking your workouts. If this sounds familiar, then you'll want to get your hands on the latest model of the Nike+ Sportband. It works like the Nike+ Sports Kit, keeping track of your time, distance, pace, and calories burned, but instead of displaying the info on your iPod, it'll display it on the wristband. So it's great if you don't have an iPod or iPhone, or if you prefer running without music.

The latest model has a few upgrades. The screen now has a white background so it's easier to see. Also it has increased water resistance for those rainy days when you refuse to stay inside. It'll be available tomorrow in three colors: gray with an interior pink band, anthracite (dark gray) with a yellow interior band, and black with a red interior band. For $59, you'll be able to keep track of all your walks and runs, which may be just the motivation you need to reach your fitness goals.

Get in Gear: Nike + SportBand

FitSugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:45:00 -0700

I've made no secret of my love for the Nike + iPod Sports Kit, which lets you track your time, distance, pace, and calories using your Apple iPod and special shoe sensors. So I'm psyched that Nike is expanding the line later this month, with a new product called the Nike+ SportBand.

According to Gizmodo, the gadget could be released as early as next week. This wearable wristband lets you circumvent the iPod if you want, because it communicates directly with your shoe sensors. Your progress is displayed on a screen on the wristband rather than on the iPod, which is ideal for people who don't like to run with iPods but still want to track calories burned and other data. The gadget also has a USB connection, so you can upload your data to the Nike website to see how far you've come.

Have you tried out the Nike + Sports Kit yet? If so - or even if not - would you use this product?

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Gear Review: Nike+ Sportband

FitSugar — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:00:26 -0700

I got my hands on the new Nike+ Sportband ($59) and was so psyched to start tracking my runs with it. Before you get started though, you need to download the Nike+ Sportband Utility software from the website. Then charge the Link (small black piece with the digital screen) by plugging it into your computer's USB port to charge, which takes about two hours.

If you don't have a pair of Nike+ sneakers, you'll need a holder for the sensor that sits on your laces. I use the weather-proof RunAway ($9). Once the sensor is attached to your shoe, plug the Link into the Sportband, and you're all set to go. Just hold down the top button for three seconds and it'll start recording your workout. Press the little side button and you can switch between seeing your time, distance, pace, and calories burned as you run. To end your workout, hold the top button for three seconds. Once your run is complete, the screen will go through the final stats of your run two times through.

To see if I liked the Sportband better than the Nike+ Sports Kit read more.

Using this Sportband is much easier than the Nike+ Sports Kit because you don't have to scroll through your iPod to start, pause, and end your workout. It's also easier to see your stats because the screen is right there on your wrist. If you don't work out with music, or don't own an iPod, then you'll like the Nike+ Sportband because no iPod is needed. I just wish there was a way to look at your recent history on the Sportband, like you can when using the Nike+ Sports Kit. With the Sportband, if you want to compare this run with previous runs, you'll just have to wait until you get home and plug it into your computer. Within minutes, the data of that run is automatically uploaded to the nikerunning.nike.com/nikeplus website, and then you can compare all your workout data online.

Overall, just like the Nike+ Sports Kit, I love how the Sportband offers an easy way to track your runs and your progress. It's twice as expensive as the Sports Kit ($29) though, so if you already own an iPod, you may want to save a little dough and stick with the Sports Kit.

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Gear Up For the 2009 Nike+ Human Race

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 03:30:18 -0700

Last year, Nike hosted the world's largest running event - the first Nike+ Human Race had over 780,000 participants. It was such a hit, they're hosting another one on October 24, 2009, with the hope that this year it will be even bigger.

This race gives runners all over the globe the chance to run a 10K together on the same day. If you want to be part of it, there are two ways you can join. Either sign up for one of the runs hosted by Nike in more than 30 cities around the world. Or you can run a 10K wherever you choose - on a treadmill, in the woods, or by the beach. Just track your run with the Nike+ Sports Kit or the Sportband. Then upload your race data to nikeplus.com.

I did this race last year and it felt amazing to know that hundreds of thousands of people were running the 6.2 miles along with me, so I definitely plan on doing it again this year. If you're interested as well, register here, and then start training - you have about two months until race day.

Nike+ Human Race: One Day, One Race, One Million Runners

FitSugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0700

So you run and aren't quite ready to tackle a marathon, but are looking for a race to run. Have I got an event for you. You can participate in the largest, most unique worldwide 10K race - the Nike+ Human Race. It takes place on August 31, 2008, and there are two ways you can run. Either sign up to run in one of the 25 designated race cities including New York City, Los Angeles, Paris, Madrid, or London. Or you can opt to run wherever you are - on a treadmill, on the road, or in the woods. Just track your "race" using either the Nike+ iPod Sports Kit (if you like to run while listening to your iPod nano), or with the Nike+ SportBand (if you don't have a nano). After the race, connect either your nano or the SportBand to your computer to upload your race data to the NikePlus.com website.

To hear more about the race read more.

All you have to do is register here. If you're running in one of the 25 race cities, the registration fee is $35 ($5 goes towards one of three charities you choose: The Lance Armstrong Foundation, The UN Refugee Agency, or World Wildlife Fund). If signing up for a race has been on your mind, all I have to say is, "Just do it." Imagine running in a global race with a million people – talk about a powerful experience.