The Tempo Trainer, by Finis, is a small personal swimming metronome. The device is not much more than an inch in diameter or 1/3 of an inch thick. It has a small digital readout and two buttons to adjust it's function. The Tempo Trainer is affixed to your goggles or under your cap and emits audible chirps and beeps. These beeps represent signals to the athlete for either stroke tempo or pacing. The device is relatively simple to use and has two modes.
The first mode is used for setting stroke and stroke cycle tempos. Rates can be set between .20 seconds and 9.99 seconds. The second mode is used for setting lap, distance, or interval paces. It can be adjusted from 9.99 seconds to 9.59 minutes.
I have used The Tempo Trainer in both modes with athletes that I have trained and found it to be useful in both modes. That being said I especially like the 2nd mode. I like using the device to let a swimmer know if he or she is on pace during sprints. Simply set the device for the goal time or intermediate split time, and a swimmer gets immediate feedback on whether or not he/she is achieving the time just by hearing the beeps. You can tell a swimmer to leave on a beep and to try and beat the next beep. It is great!
The only drawback to this device is that it is difficult to use with more than two or three athletes as a time. Having said that, I believe that it is a good coaching and workout tool. The Tempo Trainer is a great item to have in your coaching or swim bag.
The Tempo Trainer lists at $31.99, but can be found for as low as $23.95.
Finis Tempo Trainer is good, but really an old model, big size, single function and a little expensive.
ReplyDeleteAs for my experience, if you want a swimming metronome, COUNTU Tempo is the best option. Small size, Finger wearable, multi-function, 50m waterproof.