I AM - My Gymboss Interval Timer - Apps Versus Timers

I use an interval timer for my "couch to 5k" training. I know I can use apps on my smartphone but it gets in the way from effective training. My interval timer of choice is manufactured by GymBoss. The model of choice is the Mini Max.

Smartphone Apps Versus Timers (Like Gymboss)

Smartphone Apps

• Conveniently there if you use bring your phone everywhere - no excuses
• Records are on your phone and can be integrated with other app programs
• Less to carry around
• Most are free

Timer

• You can leave your phone bulk behind, no interruptions or temptation to be on your phone
• You won't mistake the sound it makes with notifications sounds 
• No fumbling around with other apps processing
• Preprogramming is available so you don't have to look at your timer
• It's durable to sustain sweat and small drops to the floor 

How Is A Timer Like Gymboss Different From Usual Timers?

• Most are sweat and shock proof
• It toggles between different modes of vibrate and sound
• There is control over intervals - you control timing and how many rounds
• You can set it and forget it for future activities

How Is This Effective For Couch to 5k Training?

You are essentially using the same intervals for about 4 day out of the week and then changing it up. You can program your timer for the week and "forget" about it until the next week. Just make sure you have enough battery, which isn't that often. You can just concentrate on walking and running while the timer counts down to the next round. This takes you away from worrying about how many more seconds or minutes you have left and lets you focus on form and speed instead.

What Do I Need To Do Exactly?

These are the steps I take to set up my timer:

1. Look at the week I'm in for "Couch to 5k" training and take note the intervals for the week.
2. Turn on timer and scroll through the menu via the set button (it may be different for your model) until I find the interval program I'm looking for, I usually pick 4+ because I include the 5 minute warm-up in the program.
3. Once I pick the program, I reprogram it with the weeks intervals. For example:

•  Week one says, 6x of (1 minute running and 4 minutes walking)
• Set:
• interval 1 @ 5 minutes for warm-up
• interval 2 @ 1 minute for 6 rounds
• interval 3 @ 4 minutes for "P" rounds (this will toggle between interval 2 and 3 for a total of 6 rounds)
• interval 4 @ 5 minutes for cool-down (you don't have to set the 4th interval, but you can for convenience)

(I'll be posting a video shortly on how to setup your Gymboss if you decide on purchasing one.)

After Training

First, bask in the glory of your accomplishment! Woo-hoo! I would record the sessions result somewhere. Take note on your improvements. You can always extend your training to another week, it's your body and your goals. 

Where Do I Buy An Interval Timer?

I found that it's actually harder to locate these interval timers at a store. I would look for one online. There are different brands out there. I chose Gymboss Minimax because it had all the features I was looking for at a reasonable price. In short find an interval timer at the following places:

• Ebay.com
• Amazon.com
• Gymboss.com (if you would like to buy a Gymboss timer directly from the manufacture.)

Your Results

Please comment below with your suggestions and questions. Where did you finally buy your interval timer and how much was it? Do you have any links to share? Please share your thoughts and information with fellow readers.