Nike and Apple Make iPod Compatible with Gym Equipment

March 5, 2008 — -- Nike and Apple are making the iPodcompatible with gym equipment.

The companies said Tuesday they are working with several gymequipment makers and the health clubs 24-Hour Fitness and VirginAthletic Health Clubs to allow members to plug their iPod Nano intocardio equipment.

The Nanos would track workouts, set goals and upload theinformation to a Nike Web site.

The new technology is expected to hit more than 500 gymsworldwide this summer.

It's another major partnership for Nike Inc. and Apple Inc.,which created Nike+ technology more than a year ago. The wirelesssystem allows some Nike running shoes embedded with a sensor tocommunicate with Apple's iPod Nano.

Apple and Nike said shifting to the gym was the next naturalstep.

"People enjoy tracking themselves as a way to keep themselvesmotivated," said Trevor Edwards, Nike's vice president of globalbrand and category management. "They want to get credit."

It also builds on the surprise success of the online communitythat built up around the technology.

Nike would not disclose the number of members to its Nike+ sitebut has said previously that roughly 1,000 runners sign up daily.It has members in more than 160 countries, including some where theproduct isn't even sold.

In addition to tracking their progress, users can access otherbenefits such as buying specialty songs or joining in socialnetwork components, such as challenging other users to a workoutgoal.

"We've definitely struck on to something," Edwards said.

Apple and Nike wouldn't say what's next, but say there are plansto grow.