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WATCH
Batteries included, fitness not
With the Triax C8, Nike hopes to break into mainstream market. Sporting the now-familiar S-bend wristband, this watch also comes with a surprisingly comfortable bra-strap, err, chest strap for the sensor. The C8 has all the usual trappings of a sports chronograph: dual time, dual alarm, lap and split time functions, 50-lap storage, segment interval timer, and of course water (and sweat) resistance. It also has a backlight for your nocturnal pursuits, though we wished it stayed on longer than just five seconds. Our eyes aren't that fast!
Nike has made the Triax almost too easy to use for HRM neophytes. Admittedly though, we had to refer to the manual on more than one instance. They've divided functions into different modes, with sub-modes easily accessible via the "Benson button". While not named after the butler (actually named after running coach Roy Benson, who helped develop this monitor), it's a great help during a work out. For example, in Run mode, you get access to your lap time, split time and heart rate with the touch of the orange button. Heart rate monitors typically work by alerting you when you have gone over (or under) your training zone. Too low means you are taking it too easy. Too high means you are over-exerting, and close to hallucinating.
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Programmable target heart-rate zone. 50-lap memory. Data mode recalls timing/lap memory. Adjustable chest transmitter. Backlight. Scratch-resistant. Water-resistant up to 50 meters.
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An essential tool if you're serious about getting fit.
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While not big fans of running, we decided to put this watch, and ourselves to the test during a bicycle ride. Using the chart provided, we set the lower and upper limits of our designated training zone, slipped on the man-bra, and hit the trails. There was some initial discomfort with the strap, but a few minutes into the ride we quickly forgot we were wearing the thing - even during an excruciating climb. The Triax was beeping like crazy as we quickly exceeded our ceiling of 185bpm. It seemed to say, "Back off! Back off!" as we were going anaerobic at 190bpm. At such a level of exertion, we reached an epiphany...
Heart rate monitors provide an accurate, and measurable gauge for your fitness. Used as a training aid, it can help you raise your anaerobic threshold. You see, the most efficient way to go about athletic activity is to stay in your aerobic zone, where you conserve your muscles' energy stores. Going above your target heart rate means you are using your fast-twitch muscles, which, while making you go faster, is inefficient, and eventually leads to exhaustion, cramps, or religious experiences. Overall, this watch is a great training partner, whatever your athletic inclination. - Agu Paiso
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T3 Magazine Philippines - July 2005 Issue
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