Introduction
Gym clocks go into the category of ‘Extra’ for most. They can help your workouts, but you can’t physically ‘use’ them. When you are trying to build your home gym, and you are doing it on a budget one step at a time, spending money on an accessory item like a clock usually doesn’t make the cut, especially when you look at some of their price tags. Take the Rogue Echo Timer, for instance. This timer comes in at a whopping $285, and that doesn’t include the stand or the remote! It’s a hard pass for most. This example is top of the line, but what if a cheaper option wouldn’t break the bank? Would you be interested in adding one to your home gym? The PELLOR portable gym timer is the cheaper Amazon option. Is it worth the $60 price tag? Let’s discuss.
The Timer
The PELLOR Portable Gym Timer has a ton of great functions that won’t break the bank. It’s not perfect, but it’s compact, easy to operate, and magnetic. Here are some more of the important specs and details:
Size
- This unit is small: 7”x2” screen size. This can be seen as either a positive or a negative. It’s small size allows you to move it quickly and easily.
Functions
- The clock has 7 different settings: Clock, Count-up, Count-down, Stopwatch, TABATA, EMOM, and Interval.
- This particular unit does NOT come with a remote. All functions are controlled using the buttons on top of the unit.
Additional Features
- The clock has a built-in magnetic strip so that it can easily be mounted to your rack and moved around.
- Comes with a USB charging cable, and it claims on a full charge it can run for 72 hours on a single charge.
- The screen came with some minor scratches on it. Additional reviews shared the same issue. These scratches do not affect the function of the clock, nor do they affect the display.
Who Needs This?
Gym timers are not just for CrossFit gyms. Workouts like EMOMs can benefit the Olympic lifts or even the big 3 (squat, bench, deadlift). A timer can also keep you on pace if your time is limited. Strongman events are often timed, and sticking to a well-thought-out rest period between sets can be extremely beneficial. This timer can handle all of these tasks and more. Plus, it’s nice to know the time.
The timer has the following settings:
- Clock: This setting displays the time.
- Count-up: Starting at 0, this setting counts up to track total time.
- Count-down: This setting allows you to set a specific time and have the clock countdown to zero.
- Stopwatch: Similar to a count-up, the stopwatch mode allows you to keep a running clock, but unlike the count-up setting, this setting tracks to the hundredth of a second.
- TABATA: This is a set style of interval giving which coaches you through 20 seconds of rest and 10 seconds of work. The timer will count down your 20 seconds then give you a new 10-second clock. It will give you “3,2,1” warning beeps to end each 10-second work session and track the number of completed cycles.
- Interval: This is the most difficult to set up, but this setting allows you to program work time, rest time and set the number of rounds you would like to complete.
- EMOM: Standing for “every minute, on the minute,” this setting keeps track of how many rounds you have completed as well as giving you a 5-second beep warning before starting a new round.
Conclusion
The PELLOR Portable Gym Timer is simple and affordable. The magnetic strip makes it simple to store or display on your metal rack. With 7 different functions and the price being $60, it fits what many people look for without being an item you have to save for months to buy.
