HANNAH HEMPENSTALL

WHO Wellness Editor WHAT MYZONE MZ-3 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BELT WHERE MYZONE.ORG COST $149.99

If you want to see how you really did in that workout, Myzone will tell you everything you need to know. I’m four weeks into a six-week challenge at 12RND fitness and feeling committed to my goals. But wearing a Myzone has upped the ante in ways

I never thought possible. It took me a few days to get my head around the tech aspect (all I had to do was input a location code into the Myzone app). Once it was set up, I strapped on the belt, tucked it under my sports bra and hit the gym.

Myzone is a small device about the size of two thumbs, attached to an elasticised belt that you wear around your torso – just under your bra line. 12RND is set up with a Myzone connection, which meant my data automatically showed up on their workout screen. But you don’t need to be gymbased. Myzone downloads all your data directly to your phone (via the Myzone app) and sends you an email after your workout with your results.

What it did for me was allowed me to see exactly what my body was doing and gauge how closely that matched my idea of how hard I was working. In short, I could see when I was in the green, yellow or red zone. Green means you’re working at 70-79 per cent of your maximum heart rate, yellow is high intensity (80-89 per cent) and red is generally when you’re ready to throw up and run away (90-100 per cent). I was able to see which zone I was in by checking my details on the monitor at 12RND. To be honest, before setting it up I was terrified that I’d be exposed as a phoney who was bludging my way through the sessions.

But I’m happy to say, Myzone proved that I really do give it my all. I saw my heart rate get up to 92 per cent on particular stations. Overall, I blasted through 457 calories in a 45 minute session and spent almost 50 per cent of the workout in the high-intensity yellow zone. Tick!

Seeing results in real time as well as the update after your session is an amazing motivator. Just when I thought I’d had enough, I saw I had slipped from 91 per cent to 89 per cent so I gave an extra push at the end. Myzone you are my favourite (and only) gadget ever. Christmas presents – sorted.