March 17, 2009

Ever More Fit - Garmin Extends Fitness Network

Garmin is getting some deep support from the fitness industry for their latest sportwatch - the FR60 - it is now capable of being the wireless fitness hub of your workout. The FR60, like many of Garmin's latest fitness launches has the ANT+ wireless protocol that allows exchange of data with things like heart rate monitors, and now a long list of workout machines.
Concept 2 is offering a connection to its rowing machines, Madd Dog Athletics is fitting Spinning bikes with receivers, New Leaf personalized fitness routines is incorporating the FR60 into its regimen, Octane fitness in its elliptical trainers, and Woodward into treadmills. Not a bad list right out of the gate fro this little fitness partner.

Full press release below.......

Garmin Links with Top Fitness Technology Brands
to Maximize Wireless Workouts through ANT+ Connection

Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced key alliances in the fitness industry that will revolutionize the way users work out. The rapid expansion of industry leaders and innovative products able to link with certain Garmin devices through ANT+™ wireless technology was announced in conjunction with the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) international convention and trade show in San Francisco (Booth 227).

"Fitness enthusiasts everywhere will benefit from the rapid adoption of ANT+ technology by the biggest names in exercise," said Dan Bartel, Garmin's vice president of worldwide sales. "Wireless monitoring and data transfer makes every step easier before, during and after workouts."

A key component in Garmin's new FR60 fitness watch, ANT+ is a leading wireless interface protocol enabling ultra low power applications such as fitness monitors. ANT+ offers all the benefits of digital wireless communications with much lower power consumption than other wireless protocols. At home or the gym, fitness equipment with the ANT+ LINK HERE logo will connect wirelessly and effortlessly with the FR60.

Tanita is launching the BC-1000 Body Composition monitor with ANT+ wireless technology incorporated into their design (planned for early summer release). The monitor measures weight, body fat, body water, and six other parameters, and specific data will be sent directly to the FR60. Tanita will release two packages, one of which will be bundled with the FR60 and USB ANT™ Stick. Users can then send their body information to their computer on Garmin ConnectSM to keep track of their progress.