Heart Rate Variance

In addition to Training Effect, Suunto’s Heart Rate Monitors also measure your “Heart Rate Variance” which is the changes in the time interval between the peaks of your heart rate. Measuring this seems a little excessive but for those who really want to know how healthy their heart is and prefer to watch all the data possible then this is definitely a great measure to have.

Heart Rate Variance (HRV) is an important indication of how healthy a heart is. Basically this measures the heart’s reaction to thoughts, movements and any other slight bodily nuances that increase or decrease your heart rate. An unhealthy heart will have a very steady unchanging HRV as it reacts slowly to changes in your body and mind. On the other hand, a very healthy heart will have a nimble ever-changing HRV as it reacts in a millisecond to your body’s demands. This is somewhat counter-intuitive because of the common notion of a “steady heart-beat”, but makes sense once you think about it.

The SUUNTO t-Series

There are various different models of the Training Effect Heart Rate Monitors by Suunto. The range starts at very basic models like the t1 and t1c which are simple Heart Rate Monitors without the Training Effect feature but include a kcal measure to track your calories burned during a walk, jog or simple group class. These watches do however feature the distinct Suunto circular design where your preferred measure is both visually represented – in the form of a speedometer-like gauge – and numerically. There are only three lines of data with the center line larger than the other two which is proudly promoted by Suunto comparing themselves with other Sports Watch Companies where the displays get highly complex and difficult to understand.

Going up the rankings in the product line, the Suunto t3c is the first to feature the unique Training Effect technology. This is calculated for the user in real time so you always know how hard you are working and how hard you still need to work to get to the overall effect you are seeking for a particular workout. Again this model features the simple Suunto circular design with the main gauges being Heart Rate and Training Effect.

The Suunto t4c is similar to the t3c but with the added feature “Suunto Coach”. This is a special program built into the watch that generates a personalized 5-day training plan. After setting the phase of your training and what you would like to achieve the t4c calculates the specific workouts you need to do on a given day as well as which days you should rest in order to reach your training goals. What is great about Suunto Coach is that it is completely dynamic and adapts to your actual training. So, if you skip a workout that was part of the plan the watch will recalculate the schedule for the rest of the week. Suunto Coach is one coach that will definitely NOT let you off the hook for skipping practice!

Finally, the Suunto t6c is cited as “A sports laboratory on your wrist”. This advanced Heart Rate Monitor monitors everything from your heart rate to your altitude and includes the Suunto Training Manager Software. The t6c is geared towards professional-level athletes or if you are one of those who want the very best in physiological monitoring then the t6c is definitely the way to go. The software package allows you to accurately track your training over time as well as various different body parameters including training effect.

SUUNTO t-Series Additional Features

The Training Manager Software is exclusive to the t6c but if you purchase the additional PC POD then the t3c and t4c have the Training Manager Lite available to them. This package is slightly less feature-rich as the advance Training Manager but will definitely get the job done.

One more important feature to mention about the t3c, t4c and t6c is that they are all compatible with the Suunto Team System. This system allows coaches to monitor their athletes’ performances in real time and make sure that no one is over- (or under- !) training. At the promotion session we were given a live demo of the Team System. This system is perfect for coaching team sports such as soccer, hockey & lacrosse etc. but can also be used in Gyms for fitness classes to create a competitive but also beneficial environment.

In addition to the Suunto Team System it is noteworthy that each of the watches (with the exception of the t6c) also feature a women’s version. The women’s range features softer wrist-straps for better fit and comfort as well as different colors and graphics for a more feminine feel.

SUUNTO t-Series Add-0ns

The Suunto Heart Rate Monitors are not limited to bodily measures though. There are also various add-ons available to monitor your training such as the Suunto Foot POD to monitor your running and the Suunto Bike POD and Cadence POD to monitor your cycling performance. Suunto has put together various packages for sale such as the “Cycling Pack,” the “Running Pack” and most interestingly the “Triathlon Pack”. These all include your preferred Heart Rate Monitor and everything you need to monitor your training. The Triathlon Pack includes the HRM, the Foot POD, the Cadence POD, the Road Bike POD and the Memory Belt (allows you to monitor and record your workout data completely independent of the watch!).

SUUNTO Endorsement

What is actually most interesting about Suunto and their watches is their endorsement. Those of you who watched the Olympic Triathlon races definitely saw the incredible first place finish by German Triathlete Jan Frodeno as well as the stellar performance by Emma Snowsill. These athletes both selected Suunto as their training aid of choice without any monetary gain. They simply believe in its ability to help them train to their very best. Obviously it was a great choice because they both ended up on top as the world watched.

After an impressive promotion of Suunto’s new training line I can’t wait to get my hands on one of these! Having trained with plain Heart Rate Monitors for a while and tried to find my ideal zones I think that Training Effect will help me achieve my own goals of Olympic Glory.

Pages: 1 2