The fitness monitor market seems to be growing as Garmin announced the upcoming release of its FR70 fitness watch, which can tracks users’ time, heart rate, calories burned and when combined with one of Garmin’s accessories even track pace and speed. The FR70 is available in both a men’s and women’s version.
“A lightweight, comfortable and stylish watch that helps users accomplish their goals is what the FR70 is all about,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Wear it as an every day time piece and keep it on during walks, runs or fitness routines to monitor these activities and progress.”
The device is meant for indoor and outdoor training, and at the heart of its success is FR70’s wireless ANT+ technology, which allows FR70 to connect to other ANT+ compatible devices, such as the included heart rate monitor, optional foot pod, speed and cadence sensor or even ANT+ compatible fitness equipment like treadmills, spin bikes, elliptical trainers and more.
Additionally, when the FR70 is paired with the optional wireless foot pod, it tracks users’ distance, speed and run cadence effortlessly, both indoors and out. Using advanced accelerometer technology, the foot pod collects and sends precise data about runners’ movements, gathering distance and speed data. Users who would prefer to trade their running shoes for a bicycle can pair the FR70 with an optional speed/cadence sensor. With this sensor the FR70 tracks the speed and distance of users’ cycling workouts. The wireless speed/cadence sensor attaches securely to cyclists’ bikes and measures pedaling cadence and wheel speed as they ride. It can even be used to train indoors on a cycling-trainer because the sensor attaches to the rear wheel.
The FR70 can be a health monitor as well, where users can pair it with the Tanita BC-1000 body-composition platform. Once paired, it can track weight, body fat, body water and six other measurements stored directly on the FR70, then can be automatically sent to Garmin Connect when in range of a user’s computer. Here users can quickly and easily log their workouts, track their totals, set goals, share workouts with friends and family and participate in an online fitness community of more than 70 million activities around the world. Garmin Connect displays metrics such as time, distance, pace, and heart rate. This information is shown through charts, illustrations, and reports.
The new FR70 men’s and women’s devices are expected to be available in November 2011. The FR70 has a suggested retail price of $129.99. FR70 is the latest solution from Garmin’s expanding fitness segment, which focuses on developing technologies and innovations to enhance users’ lives and promotes healthy and active lifestyles. Whether it’s running, cycling, or other athletic pursuits, Garmin fitness devices are becoming essential tools for athletes both amateur and elite. This sounds like one to watch for.