iPhone and iPod tools help exercisers stay in shape

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Music can be a great exercise motivator, but getting feedback about the intensity and effectiveness of your activity can also provide incentive to stay on track.  Now iPhone and iPod touch users can get the benefit of both on their devices.

Recently MacWorld announced the development of SMHeartlink, an application that lets exercisers upload data from various sensors, including heart rate monitors and cycling sensors, to their iPhone or iPod touch.  SMHeartlink sends the heart rate data to web apps that help exercisers analyze the information.  iRPM, iSpinning, and iNewLeaf help track and monitor the intensity of workouts.  All three apps are free downloads from the App Store. The SMHeart Link sells for $155 for a limited time. It is bundled with SMHeart Sleeve, a lightweight case that integrates with the heart monitor chest strap.

If you are looking to invest less cash, but would love to use your device to keep your fitness plan on track, try these other apps recommended by Darrell Etherington at TheAppleBlog:

RunKeeper
A perennial favorite in the App Store, RunKeeper is definitely more than capable of keeping track of your runs. Good integration with an online site makes it an inexpensive alternative to Nike+ for iPhone users.

FitView
Store all of your aerobic workout information in one convenient, portable location with this app. It might not record the info for you, but it does do a good job of organizing and analyzing it.

Fitnio
Sometimes you don’t want all the bells and whistles, just a clean app that monitors your progress when you’re out for a run. Fitnio fits the bill, giving the casual runner or biker everything they need at a price that’s unbeatable.

  A more complete list of personal trainer apps, and apps which provide nutritional guidelines is available at TheAppleBlog.com.

New tools and technology such as heart rate monitors, bike computers, Garmin Forerunner and even online race results have helped everyday athletes and exercisers enjoy the benefits of monitoring their progress with precision.  But there is a downside to the technology as well.  Check back tomorrow to learn about the hazards of the post workout data dump.