[floatl][/floatl]AFP: Japanese to get portable personal trainers -- on their ears
A Japanese firm on Tuesday unveiled a portable, personal exercise instructor in the form of a headset which will give instant advice by checking the pulse on the wearer's earlobe. The "Body Trainer" by Sega Toys Co. comprises a phone to be put in the right ear and a tiny clip to be attached to the left ear monitoring the user's heartbeat. Sega Toys president Isao Kokubun said the product was aimed at establishing a new business field of "medical entertainment"...The user of Body Trainer chooses one of three modes -- walking, jogging and aerobics -- and accordingly hears rhythmic music and a female voice dispensing advice. In a 25-minute jogging program, the battery-powered device would say "Let's start warming up" as the user starts trotting. Taking the person's pulse and considering his or her age, the Body Trainer would offer other pointers, such as "Please exercise a little bit harder"...more...