How to use the Nike Plus System on your 2nd Generation iPod Touch
You have a brand new iPod Touch and you're psyched! You notice that it has a little application called "Nike +". What is that? The answer is, it's a great application for iPod Touch that can help you keep track of your running or walking workouts. It may be a little confusing to get going, but once you are used to using it, it becomes a terrific motivator so that you go from Couch Potato to healthy runner in no time.
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Things You'll Need
- A 2nd Generation iPod Touch (only!)
- A Nike Plus Sensor
- A pair of athletic shoes
- A little creativity if you don't own Nike + Athletic Shoes
- A computer w/ iTunes and a USB connection for your iPod
Instructions
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Make sure you own a 2nd Generation iPod Touch. If you purchased a new iPod Touch after September 2008, chances are, you have a 2nd Gen version. The rearside of the iPod feautres a black antenna in the upper left corner. If it is smooth and oval-shaped, it is 2nd Generation. If it has a square-like right corner, it is a first generation. You can only use the Nike Plus application with 2nd Generation iPod Touch, or iPod Nano right now.
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Buy a Nike Plus Sensor: You can purchase the sensor for $19 at an Apple Retail store or Online at Apple.com. You need not purchase the Sport Kit if you have an iPod Touch because the Touch already has an internal receiver!
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Create a playlist for your workout: I like to run to upbeat songs. You should chose some favorite songs that are motivating to you and put them in a playlist.
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Adjust some settings in the Nike Plus application: Under the settings button on the main menu, choose "Nike + iPod". Switch it to "ON". You may also make additional adjustments here, such as whether your trainer's feedback voice is male or female and your "PowerSong" to get you through the homestretch when you need some extra motivation.
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Place and activate your sensor: If you have Nike Plus Athletic shoes, there will be a place in the sole of the shoe to place the sensor. I am not fortunate to own such shoes. Because the sensor should be upright (the swoosh on top) and also "vertical" in relation to your stride. Basically, you should try to orient it so that if you were to look down at it in your shoe, you should see the swoosh and it should look vertical in position, not horizontal.
There are many methods to attach the sensor to a non-Nike + shoe. I cut a small slit in the on the underside of the tongue of my left shoe. Take caution to avoid the sensor from getting lost in the tongue if you use this method. I blocked off the bottom half of the tongue with some tissue and I have never had an issue with it getting lost. There are some sensor pockets you can purchase and attach to your shoe as well. Use whatever option works best for you.
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Go for your workout! Open the Nike + application on your iPod and choose the workout option that works best for you. You can choose a workout based on time, calories burned, distance or keep it open-ended.
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When you have finished your workout, select "End Workout" and your iPod will give you information about your workout.
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Sync your iPod! If you want to, you can keep an online record of your runs on NikePlus.com.
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Tips & Warnings
Put your sensor to "sleep" after every workout to conserve battery. There is a little button on the underside of it. To put it to sleep, press and hold the button for 3 seconds. Repeat to "wake" it. There have been some complaints about the battery life of the sensor. Putting it to sleep every time you finish your workout will extend the battery life of your sensor.
If you want to improve the accuracy of your workout, you can calibrate your Nike + system before you use it. This need only be done once.
The Nike Plus System also works for walking workouts too
If you like your playlist to "shuffle" during your workout (as I do), start playing your playlist on shuffle BEFORE you start the Nike Plus Application, then choose "Now Playing" when asked to make a music choice. I have not discovered any other way to make this happen.
