Recently, I received a product called Nike+ from the good folks in Nike Malaysia. It’s supposedly beneficial to my workout routine and I was more than happy to review it.
A little background first…
Nike+ is a collaboration between Nike and Apple. What can I say, it’s a match made in heaven – Nike with the best trainers around and Apple, with the most desirable compact/portable music player in the market. Nike+ is essentially a smart device that syncs your iPod with the movement of your feet or foot strike (ie: Nike trainers), tracking your performance and giving you the extra boost during your workout.
I was given the Nike+ Sport Kit (consist of two devices, namely the sensor and the receiver), a pair of booootiful Nike+ trainers and an iPod Nano.
Nike+
Before I incorporate Nike+ into my workout, I customised the iPod using iTunes programme on my laptop. All I needed to do was plug the iPod into my laptop with a USB cable. iTunes programme auto-detected the iPod and I transfered the music I wanted into the iPod. I was also prompted to join nikeplus.com, which I did.
After I was satisfied with my song selection, it’s time for the real deal. I inserted the sensor into the trainers. It was cool, removing the sole and finding a little hole made just for the device. I felt very high tech, ok.
Inserting the sensor into the Nike+ trainers.
Voila!
The receiver, on the other hand, was plugged into the iPod.
Now your iPod is Nike+ friendly.
At this point, I could further customise my workout plan on the iPod. First I set my current weight…
All I need to lose is 5 kilos and I’ll be a happy camper.
Then I selected my prefered workout target: Time, Distance or Calories.
In my case, it’s Time and my target was 30 minutes.
And that was it. Easy peasy.
By the way, there’s also a PowerSong function where I could set my “power song” for that extra boost in the midst of my workout. It will be played when I press the middle button of the iPod. Great for when I felt like on the verge of giving up!
So I got to my gym, all excited in trying out Nike+.
Look at my boooooooootiful Nike+ trainers.
I started my workout and activated Nike+ by making a few steps in my boooooootiful Nike+ trainers and almost immediately both devices began to sync. The iPod detected my footstrikes and began to play my first workout song.
This is what you see when Nike+ is activated for workout.
In all my sweaty glory.
As I ran on the treadmill, a sexy, manly voice reminded me of how much time I’ve ran. I’m freaking loving it, nuf’ said.
I successfully completed my routine and was excited to check out my performance.
Not too bad for a lazy arse like me.
Back at home, I plugged in the iPod to my laptop. Logged on to nikeplus.com and had my workout data downloaded to the site. I was able to compare my current performance with my last, join challenges and many more. It’s a bustling community for health and fitness conscious people.
My dashboard on nikeplus.com, tracking my workout performance.
Nike is currently running a promotion at its Mid Valley and KLCC stores. For every pair of Nike+ enabled shoes, you’ll get a Nike+ Sport Kit, FOR FREE! Remember to download the voucher from www.nikeplus.com.my to qualify for the offer. The promotion runs till end October (or till stocks last) so quickly get your lazy arse ASAP to Mid Valley or KLCC. By the way, it doesn’t include iPod ok?
Pros:
With Nike Plus, I’m able to track my performance and have the data saved for future reference.
Before I used Nike Plus, I felt that the tracking feature of the treadmill itself is good enough but I realised after about 5 jogs, there’s no way I could remember how I perform the previous time. Hence, I would have trouble setting an accurate workout target for myself. How much faster should I jog this time? How much further? All the answers to these questions eluded me as I had not remembered the facts and figures of my previous performance. Factor in the performance targets for other machines….the stepper, the bicycle, the cross trainer, how to remember so many things?
Besides, with Nike Plus you can absolutely venture outdoors for running/brisk walking and have your performance accurately tracked.
And then there are the motivational voices that comes with Nike Plus. It’s like having a personal trainer in your ears…asking you to keep up and telling you how much more you’ve got to do. Of course, it’s not like having a real personal trainer but it’s certainly the next best thing. Great for me because I’m a health conscious person but always lack the motivation and discipline to achieve my fitness goals. PowerSong is a wonderful feature, injecting that extra boost when you feel like the legs are going to buckle.
Cons:
I’m under the impression it’s only for running. Would be great if it can be used for rope skipping, climbing and other forms of workouts.
Verdict:
I love it!!!
