At present, health and fitness are some of the most prominent trends in the United States. Various forms of dieting and excercise are used by Americans from all walks of life. One particularly common athletic activity is running. It promotes cardiovascular health and provides an actual sensation of exerting effort and having a work out. While going for a run, it is extremely popular to listen to music. The music helps distract individuals from the monotony of running and also provides a beat that guides pace. One problem that arises, however, is that the speed and tempo of the music does not match those of the runner's pace. This can be frustrating and lead to a less-than-optimal workout.
Pace Mate is a program that uses motion-sense technology to gauge a runner's stride and pace. Once the accurate tempo has been collected, the program selects songs of a similar tempo and beats per minute (BPM) and generates a playlist. It can be thought of as a cross between Nike + and Pandora. That being said, there would be the possibility of partnerships with these two entities.
Pace Mate solves several problems associated with running. First, it ensures the songs listened too actually match the tempo of the run. Finding songs that match a running pace while simply sitting at a computer is very difficult to do. Additionally, it broadens the users musical access and introduces them to new songs and artists. Program settings will also allow runners to customize their music types (e.g. select only "Alternative") or leave the song selection completely random. Theses aspects have the combined benefit of creating a more effective, enjoyable workout.
As motion technology improves, the accuracy and capabilities of the program would become more advanced. There is room to include such features as a heart rate monitor that would allow the user to track their heart rate and ensure that they are reaching there target heart rate during a run, and this could be accomplished by playing music of a paster tempo. Currently, the program could be in the form of a smart phone app and/or an accompanying chip that is attached to a running sneaker (giving rise to a potential Nike partnership). The product fills a current need while still having the potential for further advancement.
I agree, if I was on the last leg of my run I would prefer to hear motivating and upbeat music to increase my pace and finish strong. It would keep me focused on my goal, rather than worrying about what is next on the playlist. I think adding the heart rate monitor would also be a great feature to ensure that you hit your target heart rate during your run.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! I completely agree that it is often very hard to get motivated to start running/ continue running on a long run so the Pace Mate gives the user the motivation to go the extra mile. The heart rate monitor is a nice touch as well as it gives the runner a goal they want to reach. The only suggestion I have because is that there would be an easy on/off switch so the Pace Mate does not start playing something like smooth jazz or acoustic guitar while the runner is taking a break to walk or catch their breath.
ReplyDeleteThis is probably the best idea I've seen so far in these blogs. This really is one of the biggest problems that runners face. I think the chip idea would be best. It would be the easiest way to measure tempo.
ReplyDeleteFor a person like me who faces this issue while working out all the time, an invention like this would be absolutely awesome. Stopping in the middle of your run or workout to change a song because it doesn't quite match the rate you're working in gets annoying and most of all ruins your flow.
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