I had not realized how much I would use a heart rate monitor until I was sent the MIO Alpha. So far I have used it multiple times running outside and also on the treadmill, spin classes, a cardio strength class, and also on a walk with a friend. I find that I really pay attention to my heart rate during my treadmill runs and spin classes. To know what your target rate is and to keep yourself there makes for a perfect workout in my opinion. Get the most of your time there, like my teacher says.
At a glance the MIO Alpha will provide you with time, a continuous Heart Rate Display, your Target Heart Rate Zones, a Timer, Date Review, and it has Wireless Data Transfer. My Alpha was super easy to set up the first time.
Finding your heart rate is a snap with the MIO Alpha. Above you can see that it is trying to find my heart rate. It only takes a few moments to find, and it works best if you hold still – oh and actually are wearing it. I set my low target heart rate and my high target heart rate and was ready to exercise! I did not know my target heart rate so I looked it up with an easy tool on the MIO Alpha Website. If you are new to exercise consult a doctor. If you don’t feel comfortable figuring it out with the tool on your own consult your doctor and they can help.
The MIO Alpha is pretty darned amazing! Without the need for a chest strap the Alpha gives you continuous precise heart rate readings at high speeds. Two light beams and an electro-optical cell “sense” the volume of blood under your skin. The MIO Alpha comes on a comfortable band so you can wear it as a watch in addition to a heart rate monitor which is what I do after leaving the gym without discomfort. As you can see there are multiple settings for you to find that perfect fit. After leaving the gym I typically loosen the band a bit, you need to have it fitting pretty snug while exercising.
I kept wanting to snap a pic during my spin class but I chose to snap while I was warming up which I like to do for about 10 minutes before class. I obviously didn’t have my heart rate up when this picture was taken but after my teacher’s brutal “endurance class” it was right where I wanted it to be! I knew to ride harder because let’s face it you get tired and you think you are working so much harder than you actually are. With the MIO Alpha on my wrist I knew I wasn’t working to my potential even if I felt tired. I knew I could do more and I have been thanks to this heart rate monitor!
I set up my Mio Alpha to work with the Map My Run app on my iPhone 4S. With it working together I was able to also get pace, distance, mileage, and my heart rate all at the same time! Afterwards I could view my route, decide if I wanted to share on social media, and comment to myself (or others if I set it that way) on how that run felt. Good information for next time! Above is from a walk with a friend, you can see from my heart rate we were probably doing more talking than walking but it’s all good! Map My Run is only 1 of 9 apps that work with your iPhone 4S or iPhone 5 so if you don’t care for one there are others available to choose from.
My husband had some time to play with the Mio Alpha as well. I wouldn’t let him bring it to work for his lunch workout because I knew I would never see it again! I see the Mio Alpha being on his Christmas wish list! It is perfect for runners, cyclists, or just the ordinary mama who works out and tries to keep in shape. It will make the most of every workout you do from now on!
Charging is a snap. A fully charged Mio Alpha lasts 8-10 hours. All you have to do is attach it to the charger and plug into any usb port. I plug it into my computer at night and it is good to go the next morning.
Follow Mio Alpha on Facebook and Twitter for the lastest news about the product. Buy a Mio Alpha for just $199.00 with free shipping! For you or that person in your life that enjoys exercise, biking, running, or just walking this is an amazing product you can’t live without! So worth every penny!
*Jessie received the above product(s), free of charge, to facilitate this review. All opinions are those of reviewer only.
2 Responses
I like this because it would me push myself a little harder if my heart rate was too low doing exercise. It might help me know when to up the intensity of my workouts.
It totally does Liz! I used to think because I was a little winded that I was working to my potential but I was far from it! In our heads I think that we are doing more than we are and this has helped me to see that and I have seen the benefits increase with each workout!