You’ve probably read us incessantly harp on about the virtues of an interval timer watch, and for good reason. Interval timers are sequential, variable length countdown timers that allows one to perform structured interval training in a variety of different activities by sounding an alarm when each countdown timer has reached zero. The variable length of the countdown timers makes watches that feature an interval timer mode perfect for sessions requiring a set effort time followed by a set period of rest.

While we are mostly interested in sports watches that feature the interval timer feature, we would like to point out that there are also devices on the market designed solely with interval training in mind. The most prominant of these is the Gymboss Interval Timer and as we recently got our hands on one of these beauties, we thought we’d take the opportunity to write a brief Gymboss Interval Timer Review.

Dedicated Interval Timer Vs Sports Watch

So why buy a dedicated interval timer when you could buy a sports watch that does the same thing and more? One reason is cost. An interval timer feature on a sports watch falls under the more advanced and sophisticated features of a sports watch, which commonly means you have to pay a lot more money. The Gymboss Interval Timer sells for under $20, offers a sophisticated interval training timer system as well as a stopwatch. Expect to pay around double for a sports watch with a basic interval timer feature that has fewer configuration options than the Gymboss Timer, which has been carefully designed for the sole purpose of structured interval training.

Gymboss: Our First Impressions

The first thing that impressed us about the Gymboss Interval Timer is that it’s a well developed product, has been around for a while, with solid customer reviews on Amazon.com. The device is well packaged and well documented. Upon removing the device from it’s packet, we could tell right away that the Gymboss interval timer device is a sound and solid device, construction is superb – the device is cast in a durable case with three distinct buttons, two on the top and one on the right hand side and a clear LCD display that is large and prominantly displayed for intuitive reading during exercise. Gymboss, unlike a watch with interval timer, features a clip on the back of the box with a solid spring that can clamp tightly to a pair of running shorts. You certainly don’t have to worry about the thing falling off, even if you are doing an activity like jumping rope or boxing where you are making sudden moves and jumping around. The basic operating instructions are printed boldly on the back of the case, albeit upside-down on our model.

Setting Up The Gymboss

Setting up the Gymboss for the first time, proved to be more complicated than we originally anticipated and it is in this area we feel the Gymboss falls short. While interval training by its very nature is a rather complicated practice, setting up the Gymboss requires a convoluted and arbitrary set of button presses that will require you to dedicate some time and effort to learn. Reading the manual will certainly be required to get up and running with the Gymboss and it is not hard to forget which combination of buttons you need to press to get yourself in or out of the various modes, but to their credit Gymboss have provided an excellent series of instructional videos on YouTube. We found that after a period of playing around, we were getting the hang of the Gymboss device and could take full advantage of its better features.

Gymboss Instructions on YouTube

• Setup Instructions
• Expanded Set-up Instructions
• Stopwatch Function
• Operating Tips
• Troubleshooting Your Gymboss

Gymboss’s Better Features

So what do we like most about Gymboss? The Gymboss Interval Timer stands out from cheaper sports watch interval timers in a number of ways. Above offering an adjustable interval timer system, the Gymboss, lets you set three levels of alarm audibility. You can have a loud beep, a quiet beep or have the device vibrate to signal the end of the current interval. A loud beep is very audible and should be easily heard even over the hum of a speed bag. The device offers two interval countdown timers and will beep once after the first has reached zero and twice after the second which we thought was a nice touch. Gymboss also offer you the option of setting the number of repetitions of the cycle or can just repeat indefinitely until you stop it. The alarm duration can also be set to 1, 5 or 10 seconds and can be silenced at any time by pressing the START button.

Conclusion

The Gymboss Interval Timer device is a handy and capable device that is solely dedicated to set timer interval workouts. the advantage of customized interval lengths make it the ideal tool for high intensity repetition training like the Tabata training method, as a boxing interval timer, a running interval timer, a weight lifting timer or a multitude of other uses. At $19.95, this device will cost you a good deal less than a sports watch with interval workout timer feature while providing you with the ability to set the number of repetition cycles, customize your alarm type and duration and even serve as a normal chronograph stopwatch if you need it. If you are prepared to be a little baffled when first setting up the device, you will certainly benefit from all dedicated interval training timers can offer once this is overcome.

Lifehacker have just released a list of the top Workout Journal Software tools (as rated by their readers).

Given that Lifehacker’s audience is primarily a techie community, the choices look like they’ve been driven by the popular technology platforms and the tools available for them. But if you are seeking a way to track your workouts are into technology and the latest gadgets, then the article is worth checking out.

I am a regular user of MapMyRun and can vouch for it as a running tool. MapMyRun is a map-based internet tool built around Google Maps that allows you to create maps of your favorite runs. It then compiles statistics of your routes such as mile or kilometer markers, total distance, elevation profiles and more.

The program can store a list of your runs and permits “public” runs that can be viewed by, searched on and ranked by the global MapMyRun community.

MapMyRun started as a simple tool for runners, but then expanded into a fully feature packed website. MapMyRun now integrates with popular exercise technology such as Garmin Forerunner Watches, iPhone and Nike+.

With the exception of the Forerunner, I’ve not heard about the other journal tools, but given Lifehacker’s reputation for uncovering the most useful technology on the planet, they are probably well worth a look.

The best fitness tracking tools as judged by the Lifehacker readers were…

• Gyminee (Web Based, Basic Account: Free/Pro Account: $45 per year)
• RunKeeper (iPhone, Basic: Free/Pro:$9.99)
• MapMyRun (Web Based, Basic Account: Free/Pro Account: $48 per year)
• Garmin Forerunner (Windows/Mac, $99-$369)
• Nike+ (Windows/Mac, $29)
• Nokia Sports Tracker (Nokia Smartphones, Free)

It is also worth nothing that honorable mentions were given to:

• SparksPeople – the fitness and diet community
• Spreadsheets (Excel or otherwise)

If you’re a user of a GPS watches, I’d also personally add SportTracks to the mix.

This full Lifehacker article can be viewed here.