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CLOSER LOOK SCOSCHE >FITNESS COUNTS WITH THE MYTREK PULSE MONITOR WORDS BY MATTHEW SCHILDROTH With increasingly busy schedules and the need to unwind, a personal fitness trend has been developing over the past several years that shows no signs of slowing down. In addition to the need to "unwind" and "de-stress," many people simply enjoy working out, or want to better their health by losing weight and improving cardiovascular function. As such, the fitness industry has seen massive growth. However, with the price of personal training, perpetually fluctuating schedules, and a variety of other factors that make it difficult to hit the gym as often, personal fitness has become more aggressively "personal." Because of this, many people need something that will work on their time without costing so much. They also do not want to pay for expensive vital sign tracking equipment or spend time learning some sort of proprietary system. This is where the Scosche myTREK pulse monitor steps in. The myTREK monitor is an advanced pulse monitor that makes keeping track of your workouts easy. The myTREK connects wirelessly to an app on your iPod touch or iPhone via Bluetooth and allows you to track a variety of information from your pulse to the number of calories burned to the distance traveled*. You can set goals, track previous workouts, and even play, pause, or skip a song through the controls on the armband. The myTREK will also update you with real-time feedback during your workout that is specific to the type of exercise you are doing. You can set up target training zones within the app based on your sex, age, weight, and resting heart rate, and it will help you to stay within your zone by telling you if you need to speed up or slow down, for example. It does all this and more without requiring a large investment and works with technology you already have using the free app on your iPod touch so you will not have to worry about a learning curve. It works by using two LEDs and an optical sensor to track the slightest changes in blood pressure. It also takes advantage of a built-in accelerometer to account for movement during exercise that might otherwise conflict with accurate measurement. The built-in battery will provide continuous tracking for up to five hours, and since it is powered by Bluetooth, you can work out up to 33 feet away from your iPhone. Unlike complicated chest straps that send wires running all over the place, the myTREK is worn on your forearm, making it simple to put on and use, and more importantly, is much more comfortable. LEDs on the front of the device indicate charging, pairing, and power, making it simple to check the device status and know if it is ready to start tracking you. Because of its advanced features and ease of use, the myTREK has become very popular with consumers. It was not only a Best of Show winner at the Macworld Expo 2011, but was even an International CES innovations 2011 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree. The myTREK is available for just $130 at a variety of retailers including Apple, 24 Hour Fitness, Target, Verizon Wireless, and from Scosche's own website. It requires a 3rd- or 4th-generation iPod touch or an iPhone 3GS or later running iOS 4.2 or later. Included with the monitor are three arm straps, and a USB charging dock. While it does not work out for you, the myTREK certainly makes working out easier, and makes working out seem much more worthwhile since you are able to see your progress. Personal fitness is important, and the Scosche myTREK will help you to achieve the level of fitness that will make your body healthier, giving you more energy and helping you to be more productive in all aspects of life. 82 MacDirectory * iD li as bt la e a v n a c o e n, i s Pp he oe nd e, o a nn ld y p . a c e t r a c k i n g