Nike iPod Sport Kit

If you are looking for a gift for a fitness enthusiast with an iPod or iPod nano, then you will want to get the Nike + iPod Sport Kit. The iPod has revolutionized how we workout.  It is an almost weightless way to carry your music with you; it allows you to catch up on listening to your podcasts or audiobooks.  In general, the iPod helps most people workout better, by providing an audio background which can help motivate people to work out longer.  And now, with the Nike + iPod Sport Kit, you can have an even better workout.

In this box you get the wireless sensor for Nike+ shoes, a wireless receiver for the iPod and iPod nano, and a user guide.  The Nike + iPod Sport Kit works with Nike+ shoes, but it can be can used with any running shoe provided you get a sensor case which you can attach to your shoelaces.  To use the Nike + iPod Sports kit, simply insert the wireless sensor inside the custom, built-in pocket beneath the insole of your Nike+ shoe (or other sensor case), then plug the receiver into the Dock connector on your iPod nano. The iPod touch (2nd generation) and iPhone 3GS includes built-in support for the system – no receiver necessary.  Then begin your workout.  At any time during your workout you can simply touch a button to get an update on your performance: distance, time, pace, and calories burned. You can also select to receive real-time, spoken feedback to apprise you of specific milestones throughout your workout.

Once you’ve completed your workout, it is very easy to sync your iPod or iPhone 3GS to your computer to transfer the workout data to iTunes and Nike website. The site allows users to evaluate performance history, set goals, or to challenge other runners to a virtual race.  The website is incredibly easy to use, and users can sign up for a free account.

The Nike + iPod Sports Kit is getting rave reviews on Amazon:

I just got back into running after a five year break. This was hands-down the best investment I made (after new sneaks of course.) My favorite aspect of it is the competitive nature of the website that is linked when you upload your runs to iTunes. (It’s a Nike site.) On the site runners can track their progress, become “friends” with other runners to offer encouragement, and even challenge other runners to online “races.” There are also customizable “goals” that can be set up such as, “Run 30 miles in the next four weeks,” or “Go on 8 runs in the next two weeks” to keep runners personally motivated. (I used to do this with a paper/pen on my fridge!) Challenges (races) are broken down by levels so a newbie runner like myself, is not competing against someone who logs 30miles a week.

To read more about it, or to buy the e Nike + iPod Sport Kit, click here.