Sports brand Adidas have recently released a range of fitness accessories called ‘miCoach’ which monitor heart rate, distance and speed when running. Unlike usual heart rate monitors, the data is not just displayed on a watch; instead they pair with software downloadable for free for all smartphones.

The miCoach series is separated from the popular Nike+ pedometer by the fact they do not only pair exclusively with Apple technology. Although the software for the iPhone is likely to be the most popular, the devices will also pair with an array of mp3 players and smartphones.

Rather than charging a high price for the software, it is free to download from app stores and the website; this will most likely prove popular as it incorporates GPS enabled smartphones to allow fitness training without purchasing the hardware.

The software can be used on its own but the addition of heart rate and pedometer are much more effective in performance analysis, which Adidas hope will be an incentive to buy the full price gear.

The app analyses data from the GPS receiver, heart rate monitor and footfall counter to determine how effective your training is, it will provide on-the-go feedback that can instruct you to pick up the pace, slow down and will direct you through a predetermined, personalised training schedule.

The products are a bid by Adidas to compete with rivals Nike over their Nike+ products, although much cheaper, the Nike+ has limited functions and only provides a basic analysis. The miCoach provides one of the most in depth analyses of any personal training device, data can be uploaded to an online database to track your progress and provide useful feedback.

If your training is going well and you are feeling boastful, there is an ability to upload data to a variety of social media platforms. The results can be streamed wirelessly so your friends can track where you are and how fast you have been running. Adidas hopes a friend’s judgement will encourage users to train harder.

Due to their sponsorship of some very large footballing names, some stores are offering discounted miCoach equipment with the purchase of a pair of Adidas Predators and Manchester United Football Shirts.