Music to the Beat of Your Heart

I spend hours putting my workout playlists together, and I still can't quite get the right song to play when I need an extra burst of energy. I usually have to skip one of two songs before I hear my power song, unless I've plugged in the Nike + iPod receiver. If you're familiar with Nike + iPod Sports Kit, then you know pressing the center button on the iPod plays a song of your choice when you need the extra motivation. But to be able to use this feature, you have to buy the Nike + Sports Kit ($29), a special armband that fits both the iPod nano and receiver ($30), and a new pair of Nike shoes that fits the sensor ($129+)—if you want to track your workout data.

On the other hand, if you really want to sync music to your workouts, keep an eye on Yamaha's BODiBeat. The music player uses an accelerometer and an ear-clip pulse monitor to select songs based on your workout pace. The player has four modes: in Free mode the player automatically matches the music to your exercise pace, in Fitness mode you have to increase or decrease your pace to match the tempo of songs you hear, in Training mode you can create customized programs based on your previous workout data, and in Music Playback mode the player simply plays music.

BODiBeat comes preloaded with beat mixes, but it's also compatible with MP3, WMA, and AAC music files. It contains a rechargeable lithium ion battery, organic EL display, color pulse display, 512MB flash memory, and is waterproof. This is a serious music player for athletes willing to spend serious cash ($299) on a device that'll enhance their workout—despite the lack of storage space.

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