I personally use a fitness monitor armband because I like strapping it to my arm and then covering it with the sleeve of my shirt. It is just the way I have got used to working out. If you have not yest started working out with a fitness monitor you should give it a try. You can be a real basic one at a very affordable price if you just want to give it a try to see if you like it.

Companies like Polar, Timex, Garmin, Intervent, Suunto, and Reebok all have a hat in the heart rate monitor game. Some of them are very expensive and some are on the lower end, but most of them are basically going to do the same things. For instance, most of them can be used as a calorie counter for exercise. A calorimeter is pretty standard on most of them along with the distance you have traveled and the speed at which you are working out.

When I am looking to purchase something like a fitness monitor armband I like to do as much research as possible. My first stop is usually Amazon. They are the only website with reviews that I trust.

Top Fitness Monitor Armband Results on Amazon

ePulse2 Strapless Heart Rate Monitor Watch & Calorie Counter

Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Reviews: 50

Price: $108 – $134

Striiv: Personal Trainer in Your Pocket

Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars

Reviews: 34

Price: $99

Zephyr HxM – Delivers Heart Rate, Speed & Distance to Android and BlackBerry Smartphones

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Reviews: 33

Price: $75

Timex Ironman T5J985 Unisex Trail Runner Bodylink Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Reviews: 32

Price: $220

MOTOACTV 16 GB GPS Fitness Tracker and Music Player

Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Reviews: 23

Price: @299

Fitness Monitor Armband Recap

Again, weather you decide to go with the heart rate monitor armband or the watch type monitor is going to depend on your personal choice. It is important to be comfortable when you are working out. Give the fitness monitor armband a chance if you don’t like wearing watches.

In my opinion, the best fitness monitor reviews are going to be on places like eBay or Amazon. Amazon is my favorite when it comes to trying to find real fitness monitor reviews. There have been unscientific studies that say between 1 and 100 and 1 and 1000 will actually leave a review after they purchase outdoor  running gear or electronics. So if you head over to Amazon and find a fitness monitor that has 100 reviews, you might guess that at least 10,000 people have purchased that item. You should be able to get a pretty good feel for what people are feeling out their decision to buy that product.

Here are some of the top 5 reviewed fitness monitors according to Amazon:

Top 5 Fitness Monitor Reviews on Amazon

Omron HR-100C Heart Rate Monitor

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Reviews: A fitness monitor leading 914 reviews

Price range: $35

Timex Personal Trainer Heart Rate Monitor

Rating is 4 out of 5 stars

Reviews: This product has a whooping 623 reviews as of December of 2011

Price Range: New $38 – $78  Used $34

Timex T5G941 Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Reviews: 221 reviews posted

Price range: New $37  Used $26

Garmin Premium Heart Rate Monitor

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Reviews: 194 reviews for this procduct

Price range: $46

Timex T5J031 Unisex Digital Fitness Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Reviews: 184 reviews

Price range: New $55   Used $48

Top 5 Fitness Monitor Reviews Recap

As you can see, all of these fitness monitors have almost 200 reviews. If the number above is correct then that means at least 20,000 people bought the #5 monitor. You can do the math on the one that has over 600 reviews!!

These fitness monitors are great for camping, going on hike, running, or any other activity where you think you might need a navigation device. I hope these fitness monitor reviews help you decide which gadget is right for you.

Wearing a heart monitor while you are working out is a great way to make sure you are hitting the ideal heart rates for your body type. All of this information can be tracked, stored, and looked at right on your laptop. Welcome to the 21st century!

The most popular Garmin GPS fitness monitor uses the branding Forerunner and there are several models to choose from. These Garmin watches are very popular with runners and you can buy a very good one at a reasonable price. Their main competition in this market are Timex and Polar watches with GPS.

What to Look for in Garmin GPS Watch Reviews

You might find a lot of different Garmin GPS watch reviews online. Keep in mind that many website are going to write a review for the sole purpose of you clicking on a link from their website and buying a watch. This, in turn, will earn them a commission.  This being the case they might say anything, true or not, to get you to buy.

We are not going to do that here.

Do we want you to click on some links on this website and buy something because of it? Sure. But we are not going to lie to you or try to persuade you. We decided to simple take the facts of the product, tell you the features, and how they might benefit you.

GARMIN gps WATCH REVIEWS

That’s it. No more. No less.  If you click a link and buy something, great. If you don’t, I hope you learned something here and got the information you were looking for. That’s what we all want when we doing a search on the Internet.

Without Further Ado, Here are Your Garmin GPS Watch Reviews

Garmin Forerunner 305

forerunner 305

Feature: A highly sensitive GPS receiver. Benefit: This is going to ensure that you always have a strong signal regardless if you are high in the mountains or running through the Big Apple.

Feature: A one piece training assistant. Benefit: This assistant is going to provide you with very accurate pace data, distance, and speed.

Feature: Training Software. Benefit: This is cool. You can download your data to your computer and analyze it later to see how you are progressing.

Feature: You can use it for multiple sporting activities. Benefit: If you are into more than running (cycling or skiing for example) you can use these types of sports watches.

Feature: Keeps track of you heart rate. Benefit: You will know exactly the rate your heart is beating at any given time during you workout.

Amazon rating: Out of over 2100 Garmin GPS watch reviews, it gets 4 1/2 stars out of 5. Seems pretty good.

Price: Anywhere from $299 – $155 depending on where you buy it.

Garmin Forerunner 110

forerunner 110

Feature: High End GPS system. Benefit: Allow you to track everything that you want from your workout with the highest degree of accuracy.

Feature: GPS system that is locked in to the satellite. Benefit: If you are in a city with very tall buildings or deep in the forest, you can count on getting an accurate reading.

Feature: State of the Art rechargeable batteries. Benefit: This battery will get you up to 8 hours of life in the training mode and up to 3 weeks in the power saving mode.

Feature: Upload the data for future use. Benefit: If you are big time goal setter or you just want to make sure you are hitting your intended marks, you can do it with this watch.

Feature: Includes a heart rate monitor. Benefit: This will allow you to count your calorie burning based on your heart rate. You will always know your heart rate. Very cool.

Amazon Rating: 138 Garmin GPS watch reviews give it a 4 out of 5 average star rating.

Price: $250 – $190

Garmin Forerunner 610

garmin 610

Feature: Weather resistant. Benefit: If you are dedicated to your workout, it won’t matter if it is raining.

Feature: Touchscreen Interface. Benefit: This is going to make it easy to toggle through and adjust the setting while you are running or working out.

Feature: Virtual Partner. Benefit: If you are having trouble figuring out what type of workout to get involved in, the virtual partner has many preset plans for you to choose from.

Feature: USB for wireless connection to your computer. Benefit: Ditch the wires and adapters.

Feature: Heart rate zone training. Benefit: Teaches you how to hit different heart rates for different types of workouts.

Amazon rating: 28 Garmin GPS watch reviews reviews, 3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Price: $350

Did you like these Garmin GPS watch reviews? I jope so. If you are a into running and want to keep track of your data, a GPS sports watch is in your future. They are easy to work with and really do give you some really cool features that will benefit your daily workout routine. I hope you enjoyed my Garmin GPS watch reviews.

Are you an avid runner that is looking for the best GPS watch?  These GPS fitness monitor watches have really changed the way people are running and training these days. They have revolutionized training in every way imaginable. Here are some of the features and benefits you should look for in the best GPS watch:

The Best GPS Watch Features and Benefits

Feature: Time Keeping Capabilities

Benefit: Just because you are trying to keep track of your running time does not mean you shouldn’t be able to know what the actual time is.

Feature: Route Tracking

Benefit: This will allow you to keep track of and store your running routes for feature reference.

Feature: Heart rate monitor Cababilities

Benefits: This will allow you to track your heart rate while you are running or walking so you can improve your performance over time.

Feature: Cadence Sensor Compatibility

Benefits: This is cool because it will keep track of the pace you walk or run allowing for a more accurate reading of your time and distance.

Feature: A Map Display

Benefit: If you are geographically challenged, this feature will ensure you don’t get lost should you choose to take a different route.

Feature: Interactive Training Programs

Benefits: If you are not sure how you want to use the watch, most of the best GPS watch companies offer build in training programs for you to follow.

Feature: Customized route Ability

Benefit: If you have 4 or 5 routes you like to take on a regular basis, the best GPS watch should be able to store those for you and have them ready whenever you choose to use them.

Feature: Illuminated Display

Benefit: An illuminated display really allows you to see the screen very clearly whether you have troubled eye sight or not.

Feature: Rechargeable Battery System

Benefit: This speaks for itself. You do not want to be buying new batteries for your GPS running watch. The cost will add up. Make sure it have a rechargeable battery system with a long life.

Companies That Have The Best GPS Watch

best gps watch

If you are going to buy a running watch you will no doubt come across these companies. They have some of the best products in the sports watches market. Let’s take a look at some of the best GPS watch companies:

• Garmin Watches – Maker of some of the most well known personal navigation systems on the planet, Garmin has large hold on the GPS watch market. The popular Forerunner extension is one of the most popular and well respected watches on the market.
• Timex GPS Watch – This famous watchmaking company has a very calls their GPS watch the Ironman. You can believe that this sports watch will “take licking and keep on ticking….”
• Suunto – High end, well made GPS receiver. This considered by many the most accurate running watch.
• Polar Watches – Another higher end watch with a heart rate monitor that is compatible with your personal computer.
• Nike – Nike has jumped into the GPS watch game. In fact, they offer the option of putting a chip in your shoe and tracking it back to your watch that way.

So there you have it. Choosing the best GPS watch is really going to be a matter of personal preference. All of the companies listed above are very well respected. I highly recommend you spend some time online and do a little bit of research. If you spend a little bit of time doing this, you should have no problem the best GPS watch for you and your needs.

*The writers of this article are NOT doctors. Consult your doctor before you do any type of training or if you think running will help you in any of these areas.

Health Benefits of Running

Cardiovascular Benefits

Running and jogging are said to be good for your heart. If you are cleared by a doctor to go jogging, it can help in strengthening your heart.

Increased Energy

Almost everyone that I have ever talked to reports that they have increased energy in their life when they are involved in a running training program.

Mental Health: Jogging and Depression

Benefits of Running

There are many people that swear by the psychological benefits of running. They report that jogging gives them a runners high. It is said to help relieve mild feelings of depression and the release of endorphins helps to keep you thinking straight and clear.

Helps  to increase Your Calories Burned

This is a great benefit. If you are trying to loose weight, running is one of the ways almost anybody can burn more calories. Using the proper running techniques, one can burn 100′s of extra calories per day.

Arthritis And Running

Some people with mild arthritis problems will sometimes report moderate  relief of some of their joint pains. Keeping your body moving helps keep the joints loose.

Benefits of Running: Beginner Tips

Now that you have read some of the health benefits of running, don’t just go out there and start running a mile or cross country. Here are some tips that are recommended by famous runners all over the world.

1. Training Schedules for Running – If you create a schedule, you are more likely to stick to your plan and reap the benefits of running.
2. Injury Prevention When Running – Proper stretching is the number one key in preventing injuries. Spend time before and AFTER you run for your long term well-being.
3. Use the Correct Running Form – It might seem simple, but there is a right and a wrong way to run. If you plan on running on a regular basis do a quick Google search or find a training to show you the proper technique and breathing tips.
4. Shoes – Having the right running shoes will make all the difference in the world. Trust me.
5. Fitness and Nutrition – Learning to eat right will help make your running routine much easier.

Running is one of the best things you can do for yourself in my opinion. It is free and most people and still do it. But don’t take my word for it. Pick up a copy of Runners World or do a Internet search for “jogging tips” and you will enter into a world where the benefits of running could change your life.

Top 10 Songs to Work Out To According to Me

A list of songs to work out to that you will find with a quick Googlesearch is fine, but this is about me. Hey, it’s my website. Here are 10 of the top workout songs according to me:

Songs to Work Out To

Song: Eye of the Tiger

Artist: Survivor

Why: Come on. I do not care how old you are this songs pumps you up. It is from the Rocky 3 soundtrack and how can you not get motivated by Rocky Balboa. Enough said.

Song: Lose Yourself

Artist: Eminem

Why: Being from Detroit, I can not help have a bias toward this mega star, but just this song’s beginning rif is enough to get you up and get you moving. Chrysler is banking on the song to make you buy a car too.

Song: We Got the Beat

Artist: Go-Go’s

Why: Well, I’m not a chick, but this song gets me going. Plus, it gives you a chance to just think about how hot Belinda Carlisle was while you are doing your workout.

Song: Yellow

Artist: Coldplay

Why: One most innovative and exciting “newer” bands to come around in a long time. Big, unique sounds make them a must to listen to.

Song: Walk This way

Artist: Aerosmith

Why: Don’t get me wrong, I grew up with duet version Aerosmith and Run DMC put together in the 1980′s. Awesome, but when it is time to hit the treadmill, it is clear why Run DMC want to sample this jam. Motivation 101 at its best.

Song: So What’cha Want

Artist: Beastie Boys

Why: Old school again. Actually, anything from the Licensed to Ill album does it for me.

Songs: Sympathy for the Devil

Artist: Rolling Stones

Why: Please allow me to introduce one of the best rock-n-roll bands of all-time. This song kicks it hard and is timeless. Woo! Woo!

Song: Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough

Artist: Michael Jackson

Why: This could be considered one of the original top hip-hop workout songs. Here is another timeless artist. Whether you think he is a scumbag or not, you can not deny his talent for creating exciting music that makes you want to move your body.

Song: Let’s Go Crazy

Artist: Prince

Why: I had to include something from the Purple Rain album because I’ve spent endless hours listening to it in the workout room. This is the wildest jam from this classic album.

Song: Superstition

Artist: Stevie Wonder

Why: This funky tune will make you “believe in things that you don’t understand….” while you are on your afternoon jog.

I Guess I Should Have Said 80′s Songs To Work Out To….

Well, I guess if you were looking for the best hip-hop workout songs my list is not going to cut it. But, hey, like I said: this is my site. When it comes to songs to work out to, this is what I would pick.

That doesn’t me it is easy to get started. For many of us, getting started is the hardest part, but once you get your own training schedules together or possibly a some course maps, jogging might be the most rewarding thing you can ever do for your body.

Running For Fitness: Get Into a Routine

First of all, running for fitness is not for everyone. If you do decide to enter this world it is highly recommend that you set up a schedule or routine. If you make it make it part of your everyday or weekly routine, it will be much easier to stick with it. Here are somethings you will want to consider:

Jogging Pace

Running for Fitness

Many people start of running for fitness at too fast of a pace. If you start too fast, you are going to get tired quicker. This might result in you quitting earlier than you had planned or even before you are able to get your heart rate up enough for the benefits to kick in. Start slow and use a fitness monitor. You will last longer and keep your heart rate raised for a long enough time to reap great benefits of running for fitness.

Course Maps

Some people really like to use training course maps when running for fitness. Why? Most people like a beginning and an end. If you know where you are starting and you know where you are ending, it will be a lot easier for you mentally to finish when you start. Do not make the course too long when you are first starting out. Make the course is shorter when you are first starting out. This will ensure that you finish your course, giving you the feeling of accomplishment.  Once you start to finish this course on a regular basis, then you can change it up or add more distance as to challenge yourself and your goal of running for fitness.

Running for Fitness in A Well Lite Area

Most people work or have other obligation during the day. If you can’t do your regular exercise routine during the day or indoors, make sure you choose a well lite area when running for fitness. Being able to jog with confidence and safety in mind will clear your mind mentally for the job ahead. You do not want to use this as an excuse NOT to go running, so make sure you have a place to exercise if you can not do it during the day.

Training Coaches: Do You Need One?

It is just a plain fact that some people have a hard time motivating themselves.  This does not make you a bad person and should never deter you from running for fitness.  If you are someone that has problems in this area, employing one of the great training coaches in your area might be what you need. Some people will need one a couple days a week for a few months just to get them started, while others will need the constant pushing of a coach or trainer year around to hit their goals.

Do Not Give Up on Running For Fitness

The biggest problem people have when it comes to a regular exercise routine or work out schedule  is sticking with it. You have got to stick with it if you want to see results. It is really easy to do it for a couple a weeks and then stop for a couple days when something “comes up.” If you want results, then nothing can “come up” that keeps you from your jogging commitment. We are talking an half hour or an hour a day folks. You are lying to yourself if you tell yourself that you can’t do it. This is really the bottom line: You can have the best running shoes, best training coaches, or the coolest course map, but if you can not commit to running for fitness on a regular basis you will find yourself in the same situation you were in now.

Additionally they supply training watch functions and many enable information to be transferred to your computer system. There is a fitness monitor that is targeted at people that are into running, backpacking, walking, and biking. They are truly the best way to accurately keep track of your everyday workout routine.

There’s two kinds of Speed and Distance Monitors

Speed and Distance Monitors

A GPS watch will offer precise speed and distance data in an extremely handy, one-piece watch device. This type of fitness monitor can sometimes monitor your heart rate target zone.

An accelerometer model works with a sensing unit, foot pod or bicycle hub to transmit the information to the watch on your arm. This can be almost as exact as GPS based products in most cases more affordable. Similar to a pedomiter, some sophisticated accelerometer styles incorporate running heart rate monitors along with many other high end functions.

Speed and Distance Monitors are Perfect For:

Perfect for: Jogging, cross training, hiking, outdoor fitness, biking and walking.

Standard versions: These make use of an accelerometer to easily deliver the information to your watch. These types of speed and distance monitors compute your speed, distance, and basic heart rate, similar to a heart rate monitor, for you on the spot. You will find a great guide and the best reviews at Amazon, in my opinion. If you are looking to buy they typically have the lowest prices.

Sophisticated designs: These are typically dominated by the widely used Garmin Forerunner collection. They normally use GPS engineering to figure out speed and distance details and keep it in the actual watch data center. Some GPS powered Speed and Distance Monitors can be fitted with the optional foot pod to help keep you functional in locations where no satellite reception is available.

Benefits: GPS-based models would be the more exact and provide the convenience and comfort of a watch. Additionally, there is no stride calibration needed. Accelerometer products may also be very precise, a lot less costly and are also the only real monitors of this kind to be effective indoors.

Negatives: GPS-based models are not the cheapest speed and distance monitors and may not operate in some locations like canyons, thick woodlands, inside fitness centers, in the middle of large buildings so you might want a appropriate foot pod. Not everyone works with a Mac either, so if that is your PC choice, look into whether your device is compatible. Accelerometer speed and distance monitors are much less precise, much less handy and require that you calibrate your steps and stride.

Which monitor suits you? Here’s a broad summary, but remember that a few of the technological innovation and category labels might overlap and get applied interchangeably.

Using a Chronograph Fitness Monitor

Fitness Monitor

Chances are you already have a fitness monitor. Chronograph watches will be as basic as a digital watch or iPhone which has a stopwatch. They are usually well built and provide some amount of water proofing. They are ideal for jogging, going for walks, going swimming and day-to-day use.

The standard fitness monitors & watches usually supply the time, a lap or split functionality, alarm system and possibly a countdown timer. The bands are often made from polyurethane, plastic resin or stainless-steel. For anyone who is willing to shell out a bit more, you typically can get added lap counting and lap-split features. Higher end chronograph watches are innovative arm devices that happen to be mini computer systems with a great deal of functions. They these are known as Heart Monitor Watches, Pace & Distance Monitors or Altimeter Watches, or Altimeter Barometer Compass designer watches.

The advantage of these inexpensive timepieces keep it simplistic to time your exercise routine and add up laps. They’re small and sensible for daily use. The only real negative thing is that they can provide minimal training benefit. You can’t monitor range, speed or heart beats per minute.

Pedometer: Another type of Fitness Monitor

A pedometer (not a pedomiter as some like to spell it) keeps track of your steps or movement and computes it to miles. You can use it to monitor exercise or count the distance you go walking throughout a day. These are ideal for jogging and walking.

The more affordable pendulum style models are built to clip on your waistband. Companies frequently recommend placing them close to the top of your hip bone. Quite a few have clocks built in as well. They keep track of steps, figure out range (determined by steps taken) and calculate calories expended.

The much more costly devices might include electronic timers, a stopwatch, and a sensing unit, foot pod or mobile GPS(Global Positioning System) device to better identify and estimate speed. Some make use of an accelerometer. This is an electro mechanical system that measures speed. It’s found in everything from digital cameras to dishwashers. In fitness monitors, accelerometers are viewed as the most precise and dependable step counting devices out there. The sole negative aspect is the fact that they probably will reduce the life of the battery. Some can even transfer their exercise session information to a laptop or personal computer.

Simple styles are affordable, ideal for outdoor fitness, and if correctly adjusted, adequately accurate for most people. They will likely offer only estimations since your step and stride won’t be the identical every time. The advanced digital pedometers improve precision, offer substantial information, and may considerably higher priced.

Is a fitness monitor the same as a heart rate monitor?

A heart rate monitor measures your pulse rate instantly. These details enable you to sustain your ideal training level throughout your work out. A lot versions consist of the training watch function too.

There are 2 different types of heart rate monitors:

A wireless chest area strap model that sends impulses to your watch receiver. This can be the most immediate and detail abundant option. It’s also the most used in this category. Both of them get high marks for mobile fitness from people who enjoy running, cross training, hiking, backpacking, out door fitness, cycling, triathlon training, gym rats and walkers.

Fingertip sensors doesn’t have straps to put on and appears to be a regular watch. You merely push a couple of control buttons to see your beats per minute. This is the much more comfortable choice, but provides much less information and fewer conveniences. It’s a little less precise than a actual sensing unit that is attached to your upper body. We have even heard  that their is an iPhone heart rate transmitter and a Android heart rate transmitter, but we have not used them and have no opinion on them.

The more affordable products may be both fingertip or wireless designs. They provide a fixed quantity of info including average, high and low cardiovascular rates attained throughout your exercise routine. Basic pace and range information might not be a choice.

A much more costly heart rate monitor provides more superior details. Along with heart rate data, most offer post work out comments that monitors your effort as opposed to your targets. Wireless, coded chest area bands enable fitness center workouts and steer clear of disturbance from other people’s wireless monitors. Some have optional foot pods which can be strapped to a bike or treadmill machine to provide you with speed, range and cadence. Some will interact with your desktop computer for keeping track of and examining your workout routines.

What’s wonderful about the wireless chest strap model is that it offers you continuous on the move information and facts for maximum workout performance. Fingertip versions are great simply because don’t require that you put on a upper body strap. But then, of course, not every person is comfortable putting on a chest strap. With fingertip designs, you will need to stop so that you can take a reading. Some feel the readings might be a little less accurate with the finger tip devises.

So there you have it. There are many fitness monitor reviews you can check out on this page. Whether you are looking for the Timex target fitness monitor or the Reebok Fit Watch 10s heart monitor, there is a fitness monitor that will fit your needs.