A heart rate monitor is a key accessory to a training program. And now Pear Sports promises to give you that key accessory, without the distraction of checking your heart rate read out to determine your speed through “smart” biofeedback training with Pear Square One.
Pear Sports just launched Square One, a training device that includes a Square One device, headphones, heart rate sensor and foot pod. These pieces work together to keep you on track in training. The Square One device is the brains behind the system, and has a slot for an iPod Shuffle to plug in. While you can use the controls on the Shuffle, the Square One also has play, forward, backward and stop/pause controls that let you control the music and the workout program. The device has a clip on the back so you can secure it to clothing.
Headphones that come with the Pear device have an earlock system to stay in place. Buttons on the ear buds let you get on-demand workout stats including heart rate, time, pace, distance and calories. The earbuds come with three sizes of silicon ear pieces so you can get a good fit, and they are sweat and splash-proof.
The wireless heart rate monitor strap is a soft, washable strap. It’s ANT+ and is compatible with other ANT+ devices. A foot pod snaps into place on a shoelace. It is also ANT+ compatible and works with similar devices.
Pear Square One comes up with training programs for you with goals including getting started, lose weight, get fit, and “Ready, Set…Race!” You can upload your workouts to a website, which helps you view your progress.
The Pear Square One sells for $249.99. This kit includes the device, earbud headphones with extra silicon earpieces, a heart rate sensor strap, shoe pod, USB cable and nylon bag. It does not include an iPod Shuffle, which sells for around $50.
You left out the most cool thing about the PEAR! It’s a personal audio coach. The device tells you when to speed up, when to start and stop an interval, when to slow down to stay within a heart rate zone, etc…