By Barbara Day
For years I have trained with a heart rate monitor. For me, I want to know to be able to determine my level of intensity when I'm working out.
Personally, what I hate about using the heart rate monitor is that when I am hot and sweaty the heart rate monitoring chest strap starts moving around even though I try to secure it under my sports bra. Finally Textronics, a pioneer in the development of electronic textile systems, has designed the NuMetrex heart rate sensing sports bra which features electronic sensing technology integrated into the fabric which picks up your heart's electrical pulse and radios it to a watch via a tiny transmitter in the bra. The NuMetrex Sports Bra works with Polar WearLink and compatible watches. The monitor is designed to snap into a special compartment in the sports bra. For activation, the silver sensors integrated into the sports bra work with the body's perspiration to maintain a connection. To activate the system before you break a sweat or on cold days, simply wet your fingertips and rub moisture onto the silver sensor area just like a regular heart rate monitor. You will need to fold the band inward so the silver sensors are directly against the skin. This is done easiest while wearing the bra. Because I already had a Polar Heart Rate Monitor, I only needed purchase the Polar WearLink and I used the Polar display watch I already had.
The NuMetrex Sports Bra works with most fitness machines like spinning bikes, treadmills and elliptical trainers with integrated monitoring devices. The bra comes in white, black and blue and the heart transmitter is easily transferable between NuMetrex bras. They come in small (32-34 AB), medium (34C-36 AB) and large (36C-38AB). The bras use an advanced seamless construction for second skin comfort and is made of quick drying nylon and Lycra for superior performance. Make sure to remove the transmitter before washing! The bras are machine washable and can be tumbled dry on low or air dried.
I know the guys are reading this and wondering what is available for them. This spring, men will be able to choose a sleeveless T-shirt version, called the Cardio Shirt, which can be worn alone or as an undergarment.
The NuMetrex bra with transmitter and display watch retails for $115, or $145 for a system with an added calorie counter. The bra is also available on its own for a suggested retail of $45. The Cardio Shirt retails for $55. All items are available through the NuMetrex Web site at www.NuMetrex.com .
