Finis Aqua Pulse

An exciting new product was released today from Finis. The "Aqua Pulse" is a heart rate monitor designed specifically for swimmers. Heart rate monitors have existed for years for all sports, typically a wrist or chest attached device which transmits the signal to a digital readout watch. The problem with swimmer usage is that we can only check this device when we're stopped. It does us no good when we are moving, unlike runners who can simply look down at their watch and never stop their tempo. This new Finis device takes the pulse from the earlobe and reads it audibly to the swimmer every 20 seconds to 5 minutes (adjustable). Whats crazy is that there is no ear piece such as an "earbud". The device transmits the sound of the device through what's called "Bone Conduction". The following quote is taken from their website at: http://www.finisinc.com/Technology/aquapulse_technology.aspx

"When the Aqua Pulse is placed on any bones of the skull (i.e. the cheek bones or the mastoid tip) it leads to vibration of the fluid in the inner ear. Therefore, users of the monitor will be able to clearly hear their heart-rate while swimming. Bone-Conduction hearing is a safe, well established hearing mechanism in humans that the Aqua Pulse leverages to enhance sound-clarity in the water."

I think it's a fascinating technology that would be great to have during a tough workout. At EMU we used to take our pulse for 10 seconds and then multiply the number times 6 to get our heart rate. The problem is that it was tough to keep track of, or sometimes you didn't even have 10 seconds of rest depending on the set. This device also features a button that will immediately read out the heart rate, no need to wait for the interval. As with any new technology, I wish it was a little smaller. I'm sure the next version will be a little less bulky, I still want to try one though!