To get good workout, you need feedback. What if that feedback was being generated automatically—from your workout clothing.
New Redwood City, Calif.–based activewear brand Athos has incorporated electromyography or EMG technology ( typically used in biomedical applications) into fitness apparel to help the wearer gauge just how effective the workout is.
A light-weight monitor—called Core–is positioned over the heart or on the thigh measures muscle exertion level, balance, breathing, cadence and heart rate. Core can compare these rates to “perfect form” to determine progress and it can keep track of the number of reps done and how long you’ve been exercising (or resting).
The Core monitor sends the data via Bluetooth to an iPhone or iPad app, allowing the wearer to follow their workout over time on a mobile device.
Athos’ compression base layer garments ensure that the Core is correctly positioned to measure the electrical activity generated when muscles move during the workout. The Core will measure the output from 14 muscles. The egg-shaped device measures 2.56 inches by 1.34 inches and has 2 multi-color LED lights to show workout progress. It’s powered by a battery which lasts 10 hours or more, according to the company. And it’s waterproof, but not immersible, so don’t try it for swimming.
The company plans to start shipping this summer, but is taking preorders on its website. The Core monitor costs $199 each and the garments are $99 for the men’s and women’s long-sleeve top and $99 for the women’s cropped legging or the men’s short. Sizes run XS to XL and there’s a sizing tool on the website to help customers determine the correct fit for the compression garments.
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