Tech fit

The hot Middle East summer has probably had you sitting indoors without exercising too much. But before you give your personal trainer a phone call, you should consider technology available at your finger tips that can help you get back in shape again for the coming winter months. We give you an overview on some gadgets and useful websites that will help you achieve your fitness goals.

Track your run

Most of us get back into shape by jogging, running or cycling. These methods of physical training though can be quite boring, and some of us need a little more motivation to get on the track. There is a wide range of gear, software and websites out there that can help you keep track of your progress whilst making your endeavour to become fitter a more fun activity.

Gmaps Pedometer (www.gmap-pedometer.com/)

The Gmaps Pedometer is an online service that helps you plan and create your jogging, running or cycling routes. It works on a Google Maps hack that allows you to zoom in on the area around which you are planning your route. You can then double-click on certain points on the map to make markers that then join up to make up your routes. You can print the map for your use or save the routes.

This tool also gives you the opportunity to change the units in terms of English/metric, alter the elevation, make mile markers and count your calories and it has a GPX feature that you can use to export the map to your GPS device.

Having said all this, this pedometer doesn't necessarily work well for all cities as the WINDOWS team tried to use it without much luck for the city of Dubai for instance. The lines just do not necessarily draw straight along certain streets in Dubai, especially for the runners and cycling option. Nevertheless, this is a simple website that will get you started on your fitness journey.

MapMyRun.com (www.mapmyrun.com)

Another simple site which allows you to track your running is MapMyRun.com, which gives you the opportunity to map your running route, find other running routes in your area and upload your training log. It has applications that integrate with your iPhone, GARMIN GPS device, Nike + and Polar device. This mapping tool is far more elaborate than the Gnaps pedometer when it comes to creating a route, as it has features that can track the local weather and even allow you to indicate water points on your route. It is also free for all users, but one of the annoying things about this site is that it introduces adverts into the equation that can block up the screen somewhat. The site's design therefore is not that intuitive.

Nokia Sports Tracker (http://sportstracker.nokia.com/)

Nokia Sports Tracker is a GPS-based activity tracker for compatible Nokia Mobile devices. It tracks data such as speed, distance and time; and it then stores this information in your training diary. You can then load that information on the Nike Sports Tracker website. Phones such as the Nokia N96 are compatible with this service and it can track the distance and speed you've done; and the calories you've burned. You can also add geotags that indicate such factors as the highest point of your run or your top speed.

Garmin Forerunner

Garmin develops GPS equipment and it also has a range of GPS-enabled sports equipment. Consisting of a watch, the Forerunner series of equipment records the distance you run and your heart rate. The data collected using the Forerunner can be uploaded to your PC to be analysed in the Garmin Training Centre software which runs on Windows and Mac systems.

Nike plus (http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeplus/)

Nike+ is a fitness tracking service that is used with a custom sports band or with an iPod Nano. The system uses a customised sensor, either placed in the shoe or connected to an iPod. This then tracks your running details, which can then be uploaded to the Nike+ website. This site allows users to track their workouts, share them with friends, discuss them in forums or even set up challenges with other friends on the service.The iPod edition, in particular, offers additional benefits for runners who enjoy listening to music along the way. The iPod not only serves as an exercise monitor but it can also be programmed to play specific music en route.

The in-shoe version of the Nike+ sensor, on the other hand, can be attached to most running shoes but it is specifically designed to fit Nike+ shoes which have a cavity in the heel to house it.

As compared to some of the tracking services mentioned above, the user interface for Nike + is easy-to-use and aesthetically pleasing. It allows you to map your runs and set yourself challenges.

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