Why Are Polar Heart Rate Monitors So Popular?

Polar has a superb reputation for its heart rate monitors, and for good reason. Since 1977, when it was established in Finland, it has been making mainly heart monitors and little else. In addition, it has continued to drive forward with the latest technology, to the extent that its monitor are now sometimes referred to as fitness computers.

So popular are the company's products that today it employs 1,200 people at 26 subsidiaries around the world, and supplies more than 35,000 retail outlets in over 80 countries.

An example of its advanced technology is the FT80 monitor, which incorporates advanced computer software that guides you through a work-out session based on your own training habits. Other features include the ability to measure the number of calories you have burned during your work-out and a fitness test that measures your aerobic fitness at rest.

Another example is the S725, which is aimed particularly at cyclists. This can actually measure and display your speed, the distance your have covered during a training session and even your elevation.

Thanks to its emphasis on technology, Polar's many advances tend to filter down very quickly to its cheaper models, which are continually being upgraded, and some of these pack a huge number of features for their price.

Thus, the hugely popular F6 enables users to set a target heart rate zone, and during training an alarm will sound whenever they fall outside the zone. It also tells their energy expenditure, both for an individual training session and for a longer period, allowing them to set long-term weight loss goals. The monitor even guides them through a warm-up session that is appropriate for their level of fitness.

BY MARTIN ROTH