Who's Listening to your Heart?

It wasn't long ago I set a goal for myself to always keep my mind and heart healthy by maintaining a healthy diet and vigorous exercise regimen...but I'm not the biggest fan of working out. Listening to my iPhone during a workout is a MUST! Heart monitors have also been a popular accessory lately. Now, thanks to the SMHeart Link created by iTMP Technology, I can monitor my heart rate and incorporate my workout data into my iPhone!

Basically, SMHeart link is a wireless bridge device that allows the iPhone or iPod Touch to double as a heart rate monitor and a fitness tracking system. It works by collecting data through sensors (like the ones in workout machines) and then sends it to your iPhone or iPod Touch via Wi-Fi. Best of all, it's small and compact measuring only 3.5in x 1.5in x 0.5in and weighing in at just 3 ounces so bringing it along with my jog is very convenient.

SMHeart Link works with several heart rate monitors (chest wraps) and also biking sensors to track speed, cadence and power (watts). Compatible equipment is available from companies such as Polar, Garmin, Nike, Reebok, Timex, New Balance and Numetrex. These sensors are sold separately but the large variety of retailers gives you several buying options.

The genius of iTMP Technology is that they have teamed up with New Leaf Fitness and Map My Fitness which allows me to upload the data logged by SMHeart Link wirelessly to my iPhone by using three apps that are now available in the App Store.

1. iRPM - a cardio fitness system and cycling computer that uploads information from the completed workouts to the New Leaf to MapMyFitness.

2. iSpinning - a cardio fitness system that enables you to log your fitness data and cardio exercises that are specially designed for iSpinning® enthusiasts.

3. iNewLeaf - a cardio fitness system and cycling computer that lets users incorporate a NewLeaf metabolic profile to more precisely track and monitor the right workout intensity.

Now I'll always get the best training for my workouts and it couldn't get any easier to store my workout data on my iPhone with a simple touch of a button. Not all of these apps are free and the SMHeart Link retails for about $155. For a limited time it is bundled with SMHeart Sleeve, a lightweight case that integrates with the heart monitor chest wrap.

So if you would like to keep your heart and mind healthy, try listening to your heart through your iPhone or iPod Touch!