FINIS AquaPulse monitors, communicates heart rate to swimmers

Now that every kid on planet Earth is attempting to mimic the once-heroic Michael Phelps, it's only fair to equip them with the very best in training tools. FINIS, the same firm that's been cranking out bone conducting underwater MP3 players for years on end, has finally branched out a bit with the introduction of the AquaPulse. By utilizing an Infrared sensor, the device -- which straps onto one's goggles and rests on the temple bone -- can continually monitor heart rate and communicate it audibly to the swimmer via bone conduction in customizable intervals. Unfortunately, FINIS didn't think to integrate music playback into this for moments when it's not dishing out vitals, but you could also rock one of its dedicated music players on the non-dominant ear. Olympians-to-be can catch it this May for $139.99. Full release is after the break.

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FINIS Unveils "AquaPulse" Heart Rate Monitor for Swimming and Water Sports

Utilizing Patented Bone-Conduction and Infrared Technology the FINIS Heart Rate Monitor Maximizes Your Swimming Workout

Livermore, CA – April 21, 2009 – FINIS, the Worldwide Leader in Technical Swimming Development, unveils today the "AquaPulse" heart rate monitor, a small slender workout accessory built for swimmers looking to maximize their workout through heart rate training. Featuring FINIS' patented bone-conduction technology and a unique infrared heart rate sensor, the AquaPulse will be available in May 2009 for $139.99 at sport retailers' world wide and at WWW.FINISINC.COM. The FINIS AquaPulse uses an accurate infrared sensor that clips to the earlobe in order to pick up the swimmer's heart rate. By measuring the light pulses due to capillary blood flow in the skin, the sensors calculate the number of beats/minute (b/m) that the body is working. The internal computer within the AquaPulse then audibly communicates this heart rate to the user using the revolutionary Bone-Conduction Technology, a unique sound transfer technology that communicates sound vibrations through the temple bone to the inner ear. Humans normally hear through air conduction, but because there is no air underneath the water, bone conduction provides the clearest sound quality possible. By simply turning the unit on, the user's heart rate can be sensed and automatically communicated. All functions are integrated into one small unit that the user clips on to their goggle strap and rests on their temple. The AquaPulse heart rate monitor consistently communicates the heart rate every pre-set time period. The user can program this time period from as little as 20 seconds up to 5 minutes, allowing for continuous feedback during training. It also features an instantaneous heart rate function. The user can simply press a button at any time and their most current b/m will be communicated. "Current heart rate monitors are meant for running and dryland training, but are quite awkward for training in the water as athletes are hindered by awkward straps and watches. We created the new FINIS AquaPulse heart rate monitor specifically for swimmers so they could continually swim and understand their heart rate without stopping and train in their proper 'heart-rate zone' more accurately.
Our heart rate monitor features a water proof design that changes both how the heart rate is sensed and transmitted to the user," says John Mix, President of FINIS.

For the past decade, heart rate training has been utilized by the top athletes in all sports in order to improve their training levels. As the only accurate measurement of your intensity or exertion level, a heart rate monitor is the easiest and most precise way to continuously measure your heart rate. By understanding and monitoring your ideal heart-rate "zone" while training, you are able to consistently train your body at the optimum fitness levels. Knowing the work "zone" for your heart prevents over-training, under-training, and encourages correct pacing. As a result heart rate monitors (HRM's) can show you when you're dehydrated, running out of nutrition, or not recovered from a previous day's workout. Current versions of HRM's consist of a watch worn on your wrist and a transmitter that you wear against your skin, most often around your chest. FINIS offers a solution to this problem with the AquaPulse heart rate monitor.
For more information visit WWW.FINISINC.COM