It actually refers to the time interval between two heartbeats, or EPOC. Measured to the millisecond, this interval allows you (using the included PC software) to assess your current fitness, set a proper training load, measure your actual fitness gain over time, and achieve your overall fitness goals.

The fitness cliche is: "No Pain, No Gain", and for the most part, it's true. But how much pain is enough? And how much is too much? Finding this balance is where Suunto's t-Series watches with patented "Training Effect" technology prove their worth. Any physical trainer will tell you that in order to maximize the impact of your workouts you need to train hard enough to make a difference, but not so hard that you injure yourself. Without a personal trainer to advise you, an optimal training range is exceedingly difficult to figure out because your target training zone will change as your fitness level improves. The Suunto t6 and Suunto's other personal training devices take the guesswork, and the need for a professional trainer, right out of the fitness equation.

Suunto's easy-to-use PC analysis software combines EPOC (Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption) training data with your personal background info. Calculating seven different physiological parameters -- including oxygen consumption, energy consumption, heart rate, and respiratory rate -- the program automatically monitors your progress and continues to recommend training loads appropriate to your changing fitness level. The Suunto t3 and t4 utilize the same personal training technology as the t6, to the same effect, but don't have the additional features you'll get with the fully-loaded t6; such as an altimeter, barometer, and thermometer. The Suunto t4 has one unique feature, called Suunto Coach, that is not offered with the t3 or t6. The Suunto Coach software uses American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines to plan the optimal intensity and duration of your next workout - as far as 5 days ahead.

Suunto Personal Training PC Software

Quick and easy training assessment
Training calendar for simple planning
Training logbook with follow-up reports
Log file exchange via email and internet
Altitude profile
Deeper analysis of training sessions with 7 body parameters:
EPOC (Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption)
Heart rate
Respiration rate
Ventilation volume
Oxygen intake
energy consumption
training effect
Adaptor: USB PC connection. (Got a Mac? - Read our Mac Post)
Minimum System Requirements:
Minimum CPU speed 500 MHz
64 MB of RAM (recommended 128 MB)
80 MB of available hard disk space
Minimum resolution: 1024 x 768
Suunto Training Manager is compatible with
- Windows 98
- Windows 2000
- Windows XP


Wrist Unit: Training Control

Simultaneous display of heart rate, stopwatch, and time/lap functions
Adjustable heart rate zone with an alarm
Interval timer with warm-up
Real time average heart rate for each lap


Memory Functions

Average heart rate, time within, over, and under zone limits
Split / lap times with instant and average heart rate
Altitude data for total training and laps
Training history: time in different heart rate zones over several training sessions
Memory capacity: 128kB (100,000 heartbeats = one day of heart rate interval data)


Altimeter

1 m / 3ft resolution
-500m to 9000m / -1600ft to 29500ft
Current altitude
Vertical speed
Cumulative ascent if using logbook
Altimeter / Chronometer mode


Barometer / Temperature

Temperature: 1 degree temp. resolution
Temp range: -5 to 140 F / -20 to 60 C
Barometer: 0.05 inHg / 1 mbar resolution
Barometer: 300 to 1100 hPA / 8.90 to 32.40 inHg
Pressure trend for the last six hours is graphically illustrated
Absolute barometric pressure at the current location
Barometric pressure at sea level


Time

12/24 hour clock
Calendar
3 daily alarms
Dual time display
Reminder / Countdown timer
Chronograph (altimeter / chronometer mode)


Other Features

Upgradable with wireless accessories (PODs)
Discrete digital data transmission (10m range)
User replaceable battery
5 buttons
Size: 1.34 x 1.34 x .5 in. / 44x 44x 13 mm
Mineral crystal glass
100m/330 ft water resistant
2 Year limited factory warranty
Buttons lock