I was contacted by Gymboss to review one of their interval timers. It sounded like it could be really useful to us runners, so I was excited to try it out!
So what is this thing exactly?
This is an interval timer that you can preprogram for all kinds of different intervals.
- It can be set up for 1 or 2 intervals. An example of 1 interval would be for a notification to go off every 3 minutes. An example of 2 intervals would be run hard for 30 seconds, rest for 10 seconds.
- It can be set it to repeat for up to 99 times, although I hope to never do 99 intervals of anything.
- Can also be used as a stopwatch.
It is small and can be clipped onto your waste band or anywhere you see fit.
Size comparison next to a Garmin 
So why would you need one?
Time intervals in running
Sometimes when you are doing workouts that call for time intervals it can be kind of a pain. I hate having to watch my watch when I am running hard, especially when it’s for time intervals. Distance intervals are easy for me to figure out on my Garmin, but time is a little different.
I used to always convert my time intervals into approximate distance intervals (10 minutes tempo = how many miles) during training just so I wouldn’t have to watch my Garmin, this would solve that!
30 second hard, 10 second easy or 10 second hill sprints could all be set up and done easily with this timer.
Walk/Run intervals
Maybe you are a walk/runner and follow the Galloway method (this timer is actually on his site and has his name on it). This would be a perfect way to notify you when to walk and when to run.
Run 5 minutes, walk 1 minute, repeat!
Strength training
When I do abs or strength workouts I like to do things in series. I think this is a perfect way to stay on track during a workout and to not have to fumble with a stop watch during.
1 minute plank, 30 second rest, 1 minute plank = easy!
The Gymboss timer costs $19.95, so not bad price for a much better stop watch. It took me a few minutes to figure out how to set it up, but after I got the hang of it, it’s a pretty easy little tool to use.
***I was sent the Gymboss for free in exchange for my review.
okay. I love this. I only wear my watch on race day and my flippin’ iPhone is a bit too bit to strap to my arm at the gym.
this
is
very
cool.
happy Friday!!
ummmm bit too biG, that is.
I have seen this before on bodyrock.tv It looks really cool and is great for interval circuit training/tabata style workouts! So cool that you got one for free in exchange for a review!
i could use something like that when I try run/walk intervals
Very cool!!! I could totally use something like this! I’m jealous of all your free loot!
i love gadgets! thanks for sharing this new one
Ohhhh cool gadget! That would come in handy as I doing the Galloway Method to find my running legs again.
ohhhh thanks for reviewing this. this sounds super cool and really helpful. awesome price attached too. i just may have to invest in one!
oh I’ve never seen this before -good to know!
I have yet to figure out how to do intervals on my Garmin, so this seems like a handy device for us challenged people…
this looks very handy and would definitely be use for strength training. I use the timer on my iphone now, but this would be a lot easier since it would repeat!