---
title: "Sensors to Help You Get Fit – From Nike, Adidas & Others"
date: 2010-02-01
author: "Richard MacManus"
categories:
  - name: "ReadWriteWeb"
    url: "/category/readwriteweb.md"
tags:
  - name: "2010"
    url: "/tag/2010.md"
---

# Sensors to Help You Get Fit – From Nike, Adidas & Others

![](https://web.archive.org/web/20120222183828im_/http://rww.readwriteweb.netdna-cdn.com/images/adidas_sensor.jpg)One of the trends we’re exploring this year is how the Internet is being integrated into everyday objects. Called the [Internet of Things](https://web.archive.org/web/20120222183828/http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/top_5_web_trends_of_2009_internet_of_things.php), it’s seeping into some massive consumer industries. One of them is **fitness**. Many of you have heard of the [Nike+ running shoes](https://web.archive.org/web/20120222183828/http://www.apple.com/ipod/nike/run.html), which sends running data to your iPod via a sensor. Adidas recently joined the race to connect your running gear to the Internet, with its [miCoach system](https://web.archive.org/web/20120222183828/http://www.adidas.com/us/micoach/#GearLanding/sdf/mdf). There is also the [Wii Fit](https://web.archive.org/web/20120222183828/http://www.wiifit.com/) and innovative Web fitness services like [NordicTrack’s iFit](https://web.archive.org/web/20120222183828/http://ifit.nordictrack.com/).

Keep up, because tracking your fitness progress on the Internet – via sensors attached to your body or workout gear – is going to become very popular.

![](https://web.archive.org/web/20120222183828im_/http://rww.readwriteweb.netdna-cdn.com/images/nike_plus.jpg)A recent [USA Today article](https://web.archive.org/web/20120222183828/http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/weightloss/2010-01-28-workout28_st_N.htm) notes the increasing usage of Web-enabled products that help you monitor your workouts and give you real-time coaching. The Nike+ shoes and iPod system is one of the market leaders.

The Nike+ shoes come with a sensor that tracks your run, then sends the data to your iPod. It even has its own [social network](https://web.archive.org/web/20120222183828/http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikeplus/en_US/). And what Web product circa 2010 doesn’t come with a Twitter and Facebook connection? Sure enough, the Nike+ can [automatically tweet](https://web.archive.org/web/20120222183828/http://babblingb.wordpress.com/2009/06/25/nike-is-on-facebook-twitter/) and post a status report on Facebook.

![](https://web.archive.org/web/20120222183828im_/http://rww.readwriteweb.netdna-cdn.com/images/adidas_sensors.png)Meanwhile the Adidas miCoach PACER is a running pacer device that retails for $140. The bundle includes a Heart Rate Monitor and a “Stride Sensor” – a battery-operated sensor that fits into your shoe.

The miCoach Pacer can also [verbally coach the runner](https://web.archive.org/web/20120222183828/http://mobihealthnews.com/5965/adidas-launches-personal-training-platform-with-real-time-audible-coaching/) during their run, “to ensure that they are staying within their targeted heart rate zone.”

There’s [an accompanying website](https://web.archive.org/web/20120222183828/http://www.micoach.com/), where users can create training plans, set goals and monitor their progress.

Let us know if you currently use an Internet-connected fitness system, especially if it makes use of sensors.

*Originally published on ReadWriteWeb ([archived copy](https://web.archive.org/web/20020204040018/http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/sensors_to_help_you_get_fit.php))*