Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, March 14, 1995 TAG: 9503140119
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: At home with technology
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: Anyone who exercises regularly knows how difficult it can be to make the time. Heart-rate monitoring is the best way to make sure you're getting the most from your workouts.
Your heart rate tells you if your workout intensity is too low or too high. In either case, the benefits will be greatly diminished.
Fitness experts have devised a formula to predict the target heart-rate zone for aerobic activity: 70 percent to 85 percent of the maximum sustainable heart rate. The maximum rate is roughly 220 minus age. For example, a healthy 49-year-old has a predicted maximum heart rate of 171, which yields a target zone of 120 to 145 beats per minute.
You don't need an electronic monitor to keep track of your heat rate. All you need is a couple of fingers and a watch with a second hand.
Aerobics instructors typically advise participants to count their pulse for 10 seconds and then multiply by 6. The only problem: You have to break pace.
An electronic monitor has the advantage of providing feedback during exercise. Although a fingertip or earlobe monitor may work well with a stationery bike or the like, a chest monitor is best for more rigorous activities.
Held in place by an elastic band, the wireless monitor transmits your heart rate to a special wristwatch display. One model even features an AM/FM radio with headphones. A disembodied voice periodically interrupts the music to announce your heart rate!
If your exercise program includes walking, jogging or running, a pedometer can be a handy accessory. In order to track progress over time, most people tend to follow the same route. This can get really boring after several months. With a pedometer, you can vary your route and still know how far you've gone.
The latest pedometers convert steps into distance (based on average stride length). The most accurate models allow you to specify stride to the nearest inch.
Other popular features include a stopwatch, countdown timer, alarm clock and "calories burned" display. One company recently introduced a pedometer combined with a "walkman" style radio.
In order to stick with a fitness program, most people need proof that the pain isn't in vain. The fastest way to see results is to monitor the body's fat percentage. There's finally a convenient way to do this at home. One company makes a small instrument that estimates fat based on an infrared scan of the biceps. Another product estimates fat by measuring your body's resistance to a small electrical current. It consists of a footpad with two electrodes and a display unit.
As for electronic diet and nutrition aides, at least two companies produce pocket-sized data banks that contain nutritional data for over a thousand fresh, frozen, prepared and restaurant foods.
You can even add new foods and analyze your favorite recipes. More extensive nutrition and dietary planning software is available for personal computers.
To receive a list of companies that manufacture electronic pulse monitors, pedometers and nutrition data banks, please send $1.50 and a self-addressed envelope to David Butler F-501, Department TWN, 14713 Pleasant Hill Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28278-7927. The list includes toll-free phone numbers and a description of each company's products. You'll also receive information on the body fat analyzers.
Q: I'm considering purchasing one of the new miniature satellite receivers. I'm in the military and may soon be transferred overseas. Will DBS work in other countries?
A: Direct Broadcast Satellite receivers will only work in the contiguous United States. Similar services may eventually be available in other countries but your dish is unlikely to be compatible.
David Butler is a consultant and free-lance writer who specializes in home automation and advanced consumer products.
by CNB