Features of the Nike iPod Sensor

The Nike+ iPod sensor is part of the Nike+ iPod system runners and walkers use to exercise more efficiently. The sensor pairs with a Nike+ enabled iPod or iPhone. The system tracks several different statistics including distance, pace, overall time and calories burned when working out. Sensor data can be uploaded to your computer as well as onto the Nike Running website. The site tracks your progress and shares your success with others.

  1. Required Equipment

    • The Nike+ iPod sensor pairs with several different devices, including the iPod Nano, certain models of the iPod touch and recent iPhone models. If you use an iPod Nano, you need the Nike+ iPod receiver which is included as part of the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit. You can also use a second generation or later model of the iPod Touch or an iPhone 3GS or later. You need a computer capable of running iTunes 8. Apple recommends Nike+ shoes, special models of Nike running shoes with a sensor pocket underneath the insole of the shoe.

    Shoe Options

    • Despite Apple's shoe recommendation, there are alternative ways to mount the Nike+ sensor to your existing shoes. A sensor pouch is an inexpensive option that holds the sensor and attaches to your shoelaces. These pouches or frames vary in form slightly. The Lacelid, while made of durable rubber, holds your sensor horizontally. The SwitchEasy RunAway, and Grantwood Technology Shoe Pouch hold the sensor vertically. Vertical orientation with a minimum of tilt most closely resembles how the sensor is positioned in a Nike+ shoe and ensures results that are more accurate than those from sensors positioned horizontally.

    Working Out

    • The Nike+ software on the iPod and iPhone can track different kinds of workouts: open-ended and goal-based. You can set time, distance or calorie-burning goals. The Nike+ sensor tracks your progress as you run and updates the display of your device. Besides playing music, your device provides periodic audio feedback of your progress. You can also get this feedback manually by pressing a button on your device.

    Uploading to Nike Running

    • The Nike+ sensor is more than just a fancy pedometer. By uploading your data to the Nike Running website, you can share your runs on Twitter and Facebook, set goals, participate in challenges and use Nike coaching programs to train to run in distance events. Use iTunes to send your data to the Nike Running website. If you're using an iPhone or iPod touch, you can send your data wirelessly to the Nikeplus website right from your device.