Using technology licensed from the Mayo Clinic, a company called Muve from Minneapolis, Minnesota has created a simple device that can help optimize exercise habits. Essentially a 3-D accelerometer, the Gruve from Muve is designed to measure person’s movement and roughly convert that into calories expended. By setting weight loss goals, the unit can help the user optimize and when and how much movement needs to be done.
From the Associated Press:
As a lifelong runner and cross-country skier, Wood [Andy Wood, chief “muvologist” at Muve] was surprised by what his Gruve showed him. Days of sitting in the office broken up by a long distance run at lunchtime did not bring him to his green goal.
However, steady movement and small walks throughout the day, minus the noon-time run, did make his Gruve green.
After sitting for a long time, the body changes and begins creating fat instead of energy. Wood calls this the E.C.P or energy conservation point. His is 74 minutes and after 69 minutes of sitting, the Gruve vibrates like a cell phone to remind him to move.
Those little bursts of energy keep his body from shifting into neutral and creating excess weight.
More from AP…
Product page: Gruve Solution
Gruve design page…