Fitness gadget makes wallets thinner

Sportiiiis Heads-Up Display System for Athletes by 4iiii Innovations Inc.
$199 at Amazon.com

If you can’t bear to go five minutes without knowing your heart rate, I’ve got just the gadget for you. This clever device, designed for hardcore athletes, uses lights and speech to keep you constantly aware of your exertions.

You’ll need to wear glasses; the device attaches to one of the temples, either left or right. It features a plastic boom that curves in front of one eye, just within peripheral vision. This boom is lined with colored lights that flash green, yellow or red to alert you to your physical state.

The device connects to body sensors that use the ANT+ wireless system for transmitting medical data. The company sells a $69 chest strap that monitors your heart rate, and a $59 pod that attaches to your shoelaces and counts your strides.

Using software that installs on a Mac computer or a Windows PC, you can set up the Sportiiiis device so it flashes red when you’re jogging or cycling too fast or too slow, or when your heart is beating too slow or too fast.. A tiny speaker aimed right at your ear will also alert you.

I couldn’t set up the device on a Windows XP computer, but it worked fine with Windows 7. After that, it performed just as advertised. But the complete setup runs well over $300.. I’ve got a cheaper exercise system that works just as well. I call it “running out of breath.” Perhaps I’ll patent it.