Portable aerobic fitness monitor for walking and running

A method of assessing the aerobic fitness of an individual as the individual exercises, the method comprising the steps of:

• using a pedometer to determine and output data representing the locomotion of the individual;
• using a heart rate monitor to determine and output data representing the heart rate of the individual;
• and
• calculating the aerobic fitness of the individual as the individual exercises using personal data provided by the individual in combination with the data outputs of the pedometer and the heart rate monitor during the course of a normal workout without the use of the execution or conduct of a prescribed and particular fitness assessment protocol.

A personal aerobic fitness monitoring device for assessing the aerobic fitness of an individual as the individual exercises, the aerobic fitness monitoring device comprising:

• exertion determination means for determining and outputting data representing the exertion of the individual as the individual is exercising;
• a heart rate monitor for determining and outputting data representing the heart rate of the individual;
• and
• determination means for calculating the aerobic fitness of the individual as the individual exercises, the determination means using personal data provided by the individual in combination with the data outputs of the exertion determination means and the heart rate monitor to calculate the aerobic fitness of the individual during the course of a normal workout without the use of the execution or conduct of a prescribed and particular fitness assessment protocol.

A method of assessing the aerobic fitness of an individual as the individual exercises, the method comprising the steps of:

• determining and outputting data representing the exertion of the individual;
• using a heart rate monitor, determining and outputting data representing the heart rate of the individual;
• and
• calculating the aerobic fitness of the individual as the individual exercises using personal data provided by the individual in combination with the data outputs representing the exertion of the individual and the heart rate of the individual during the course of a normal workout without the use of the execution or conduct of a prescribed and particular fitness assessment protocol.