"People no longer have to guess if they're exercising hard enough or long enough," said Dan Bartel, Garmin's vice president of worldwide sales. "By integrating the New Leaf metabolic profile into the Forerunner 305, users get a training program that's tailored to their heart rate zones and will help them achieve their fitness goals more efficiently than traditional exercise regimens."

"Previously, metabolic assessment was reserved for the world's most elite athletes. Today, individuals at any level of fitness can have their metabolic profile measured which serves as a 'personal blueprint' to guide them to their goals," said Terry Kapsen, vice president of marketing and business development for New Leaf Health & Fitness.

During a 10-15 minute exercise assessment on a person's favorite type of cardio equipment, New Leaf measures the body's unique response to exercise by determining the oxygen and carbon dioxide a person breathes. The assessment determines personal metabolic profile by identifying exactly how many calories an individual burns and at what intensity they need to exercise to efficiently reach their goals.

The New Leaf metabolic profile is downloaded to the Forerunner using the Garmin Training Center(R) software. Users can then use the software to schedule a 12-week training program generated from their New Leaf results. For each workout, the Forerunner shows what heart rate zone the user should be in and for how long. Audible and visual cues notify when it is time to switch to a new workout step, as well as when they are working too hard or not hard enough within each specific workout step. The audible cues make it easy for athletes to adjust their workout levels with minimal glances at the Forerunner.

In addition, the New Leaf information makes it possible for the Forerunner to calculate calories based on the user's metabolic profile. This extremely accurate calorie count tells the user their precise calorie burn during every phase of the workout.

The Garmin Forerunner 305 is a highly integrated GPS fitness device that is worn on the wrist and monitors time, speed, distance, calories burned, heart rate and more. Those wanting to train indoors and still track their distance and pace may do so with the optional Foot Pod accessory. This wireless sensor attaches to a running shoe and transmits distance and pace data to the Forerunner 305 when running on an indoor track or treadmill.

The newest version of the Garmin Training Center is compatible with New Leaf and is available for free at www.garmin.com. More information and a complete list of facilities that offer the New Leaf Fitness Active Metabolic Training Program may be found at www.newleaffitness.com. The fee for the New Leaf Fitness Active Metabolic Training Program assessment varies by location.