Must Run with the Beat, Yamaha BodiBeat Review - Yanko Design

Runners know music can provide that extra oomph to make that last mile. The right music can relax us, put us to slumber, or heal united states, so information technology makes sense it can besides energize us. The Yamaha BodiBeat is part DJ, office centre monitor, and part trainer to go along you lot at your peak performance during workouts. Armed with new running sneakers and a snazzy outfit, I strapped the BodiBeat onto my arm and took to the Los Angeles jungle. My review afterwards the bound.

The Bodibeat comes with reverse earbuds, a prune-on earlobe heart rate monitor, USB cable, velcro arm strap, and software to manage your music. The user-interface is a bit confusing thanks to the not-traditional 2 main buttons. It takes some getting used to simply I can see why Yamaha designed them to be pinch manner buttons instead of button button. When you lot have information technology strapped to your arm, it actually is easier to pinch than push button. The small monochrome screen is a bit of a cop out since pocket-sized color screens are condign the norm only thankfully information technology's so bright, reading isn't a trouble.

In that location are iii modes to cull from. Gratis Conditioning lets you lot run at whatsoever pace you want and the Bodibeat will dynamically play a song to match your step. The Jog and Walk Fitness modes both have your age, weight, and elevation into business relationship, calculate how fast you should be moving and for how long, then plays a song to keep y'all on rails – literally.

In use, the Free Workout style was the most enjoyable when doing mundane things like walking to the store or even walking the dog. By constantly monitoring my heart rate, the BodiBeat knew exactly how hard I was working and picked a song accordingly. The only downside is the song will constantly modify if your heart rate changes. One minute I'm getting into an upbeat vocal, the next its switches to a medium upwardly-tempo song. Although you tin can lock-in the song y'all're listening to, it defeats the purpose since I would and so just use a regular MP3 player.

The Jog and Walk Fettle modes are unrelenting, but in a skilful manner. I decided to take a quick jog effectually my neighborhood on Jog fashion and information technology immediately assigned a medium tempo song to get me warmed up and walking. Well-nigh 5 minutes later it gave me a few audible beeps and a faster song started. The workout seems to exist based on the latest fitness science, constantly switching back and forth from a slow jog to an all out run. These burst cycles are much more effective since they shock the muscles, never assuasive them to adapt.

The included software is sorta like iTunes but simplified. Just dump your favorite songs into it and they'll upload to your BodiBeat but be forewarned, there's only 512 MB so be frugal. It's too advantageous to cull songs of varying tempos otherwise the BodiBeat volition use one of its built-in circa 1990 techno songs to fill in gaps. The software will take both MP3s and AACs merely runs on Windows but, pitiful Mac users but y'all probably don't care anyways with your iTunes and fancy iPods (natch!).

What we liked:

Compact design. Solid build.
Arm strap works well, refuses to allow the BodiBeat to slip.
Earbuds wrap from behind you ear and fit comfortably. They refuse to come out even while running.
Clip on earlobe heart rate monitor is very comfy, small-scale, and lightweight.
Works exactly as promised. Songs changes immediately based on eye rate changes.
Recharges speedily. Long battery life.

What could exist improved:

Pocket-sized monochrome screen.
512 MB is besides small. Should be at least 1 Chiliad.
$299 is likewise expensive. $149 is more realistic.

My time with the BodiBeat has proven two things to me. One, I tin can run regularly for exercise and not give up. Two, I can no longer deny how much trip the light fantastic music I listen to. The BodiBeat is meant to be a workout companion; one that offers encouragement with metronome like precision, but at $299 it's not actually affordable. Most people serious well-nigh music while working out volition probably invest in a Zune or iPod and manage custom playlists themselves. The BodiBeat'southward but saving grace is that information technology does all that for you.

Designer: Yamaha