Posts Tagged ‘Polar’
Written by KineticShift on 10 October 2011
Just in time for last month’s New York Fashion Week Polar has introduced new and vibrant color palette for its RCX5, FT4, FT2 and FT1 training computers. While all of these Polar products provide trusted and accurate heart rate based training data, offering clear guidance, feedback and easy-to-use features, the RCX5 includes a slew of new features to meet the demand of today’s triathletes who require the best in training intelligence and tracking capabilities.
Polar also recently announced that the Heart Rate Watch Company, a leading national online fitness electronics retailer, has crowned the Polar FT4 as its top heart rate monitor under $100 for 2011. Citing unique features and fit as the primary reasons for the award the company cited Polar’s four decade commitment to working with personal trainers, gyms and athletes as primary factors for the award.
(Video after the jump) Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: FT1, FT2, FT4, heart rate monitor, Polar, RCX5, Rusty Squire, Tony Bass, training computers
Posted in Equipment, Exercise, Gadget, Personal Electronics | No Comments »
Written by Brian O'Connor on 13 September 2011
Being able to measure the power output of a cyclist at the pedals is certainly not new. The Vector system, now owned by Garmin, has had this solution available for the past couple of years. The Garmin system is often used with the LOOK Kéo pedals, but now LOOK is selling an off the shelf option with a slight twist – the new LOOK Kéo Power.
The new LOOK Kéo Power pedal combines the expertise of LOOK with POLAR, one of the heart rate monitor market innovators. This new pedal allows very accurate cadence and power measurements by placing the electronics inside each pedal axle. Each axle is equipped with 8 strain gauges which measure the axle deflection, which along with the reed relay measured cadence information, is transmitted to the Polar head unit. The Polar combines this information to accurately determine the power output of each pedal – independently. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Cycling, Interbike, LOOK Kéo, LOOK Kéo Power, pedals, Polar
Posted in Cycling, Equipment, Interbike | No Comments »
Written by KineticShift on 17 June 2011
This week Polar USA announced the release of the new WearLink+ transmitter with Bluetooth, which seems to be the hot new thing in heart rate monitors this week. And the Polar version will work with Anrdoid and Symbian smartphones, allowing users to have the ability to use their handset to track their heart rate and fitness progress.
The Polar WearLink+ will work with mobile training applications including RunKeeper, Sports Tracker and Endomond, and get precise data while working out. After each training session, users can share workout data and examine their heart rate and training intensity in greater detail through the web services of their application provider.
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Bluetooth, heart rate monitor, Jeff Padovan, Polar, WearLink+
Posted in Equipment, Exercise, Gadget, Mobile Phone | No Comments »
Written by KineticShift on 07 June 2011
We’ve covered a few Polar products recently, and we have long known and respected the company’s dedicated to quality. So it comes as no surprise to KineticShift that Polar was named as a “Best Company to Work for in New York for 2011” by the New York State Society for Human Resource Management, Inc., the Business Council of New York and Best Companies Group.
Polar ranked 22 in the under 250 employees group, and the award honors companies who excel in workplace policies, practices, philosophies, systems and demographics and perform well in an employee survey that measures their experiences. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Best Company to Work For 2011, Business Council of New York, Jeff Padovan, Lorri Zelman, Polar, Polar USA, Work for New York Program
Posted in Equipment | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 06 June 2011
Heart monitors are ideal for training, and more and more runners and cyclists swear by them, but swimmers have sort of been left high and dry when it comes to a training aid. Not any longer, Polar has announced a new heart rate monitor that promises to get all wet. The Polar FT7 is ideal for the gym or out in the wild, and it can work well in the water as Polar is the only company that produces transmitters that broadcast a signal at a 5 kHz frequency, which means heart rate data is received while swimming.
The FT7 features a soft, flexible fabric strap that made with a patented heart-sensing fabric developed by Numetrex, while the monitor offers zone alarms, daily alarms, time and date. The FT7 will download all exercise information to the free Polar personal trainer software with an optional Polar Flowlink device.
In addition to telling you the number of calories burned, the EnergyPointer will tell if the main effect of your training is fitness improvement or fat burning. It offers button-free operation of the wrist unit and provides graphical target zone indicator. The Polar FT7 is available now (MSRP $119.95), and as we noted, this one works in the water!
Polar FT7 Official Product Website
Tags: 5 kHz, EnergyPointer, FT7, heart rate monitor, Polar, Polar Flowlink, Polar USA
Posted in Equipment, Exercise, Running, Swimming | 1 Comment »
Written by KineticShift on 02 June 2011
There is no denying that training computers have typically had very specific uses. What is good in the water isn’t so good on the bike, but Polar USA looks to change the way the game is tracked with its new RCX5 training computer. It builds on the company’s decades of experience, and this new device combines Polar heart rate tracking accuracy with features that make it ideal in the water, on the bike and even on the pavement as you pound out each and every step.
The device, which is now available in “smart black” and will available in “striking red” later this year, is includes sport profiles that are essential for multisport and triathletes. It allows users to quickly switch between sports during training, so no time or training data is lost between swims, rides or runs.
“Triathlons are one of the fastest-growing sport segments in the United States, and we understand better than anyone in the market that multisport athletes demand data, whether they are training for their first regional event or chasing a lifelong professional pursuit,” said Jeff Padovan, President, Polar USA. “The Polar brand has been an established name among elite athletes for more than 30 years, and we are proud of the loyalty and knowledge we’ve built within the ‘tri’ market specifically. The RCX5 is the realization of everything we’ve been hearing that ‘tri’ users require to get to that next level, packaged in a new, sleek design.”
The RCX5 features a ZoneOptimizer that adjusts to personal heart rate zones based on the user’s current physiological condition to optimize just the right level of training intensity; plus Race Pace that lets the wearer set a target time for certain distances to see how far ahead or behind on a course the user is at a given time; and even a Training Load feature to let a wearer known when he or she has recovered enough for the next session.
The RCX5 is available in multiple product sets for running, cycling and multi-sport use. There is even a WearLink+ Hybrid transmitter that can ensure transmission in the water via a comfortable, fabric chest transmitter that transfers data both in 5 kHz and 2.4 GHz.
Training may never be the same again.
Polar RCX5 Official Website
Tags: Cycling, Jeff Padovan, multisport, Polar, Polar USA, RCX5, Running, Swimming, training computer, Triathlon, ZoneOptimizer
Posted in Cycling, Equipment, Gadget, Running, Swimming | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 20 May 2011
This week Polar USA announced that it is taking a “Yellow is Everything” attitude, and has announced the release of the CS500 Tour de France, the official Tour de France training computer. The granddaddy of cycling events kicks off in just a month and a half, and now you can give it your best and try to ride like the very best in cycling.
The device features an aerodynamic diamond shape and yellow accents, as the the CS500 Tour de France is designed for event riders who want to improve their fitness at the competitive level through highly effective training guidance. The CS500 Tour de France features twice as much memory than the original, and offers compatibility with the forthcoming Polar LOOK Keo Power pedals, the world’s first pedal-based system for measuring power output and cadence. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: CS500 Tour de France, Cycling, Jeff Padovan, Polar, Polar LOOK Keo Power pedals, Polar Power Output Sensor W.I.N.D., Polar USA, Tour de France, training computer
Posted in Cycling, Equipment, Exercise, Gadget, Outdoors, Pro Sports | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 19 April 2011
Many runners, cyclists and other top athletes swear by their heart rate monitor, and now Polar, one of the leaders in heart rate monitoring and fitness assessment technology, has introduced an integrated solution that will help users of all levels reach their fitness goals.
This is the BodyAge 5 software that is now available at health and fitness clubs nationwide. It analyzes a full range of health and fitness indicators, providing club members with a clear picture of their physical body age in comparison to their chronological age and overall fitness.
Users of the BodyAge 5 software are provided a questionnaire that evaluates the club member’s current physical activity level and medical history. In addition a series of tests that determine their cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, flexibility and body composition. Based on this information, the software creates a personalized fitness report, a customized cardio and strength training program and a health risk appraisal – giving them the tools they need – such as nutrition and prevention tips to reduce the risk of heart disease, stress and diabetes among other health-related issues. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: BodyAge 5, FT60, FT80, heart rate monitor, Polar, Polar Cardio Coaching, RS300X, Software
Posted in Equipment, Exercise, Software | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 20 December 2010
It is hard not to love Best Buy. As a guy I love everything Best Buy, from the huge TVs to mobile phones, computers to even the appliances. But the truth is that Best Buy has also sort of been one of those stores that made me feel a little guilty too. It has so much stuff that I love; but yet very little “active” type products for on the go. While there are plenty of digital cameras, GPS devices and now tons of video games that claim to inspire fitness, the truth is that Best Buy remains about those big, big TVs that draw you in, where you just want to sit back on a couch and let the day pass you by.
However, the retailer has announced a new national rollout of health and fitness products at 600 Best Buy stores across the country as well as online at Bestbuy.com. This is truly a good thing, as it should help inspire – dare we say “guilt” – visitors to do something besides sit on a couch whilst enjoying Blu-ray and HDTV. This also comes just in time for all those New Years’ resolutions that we hope readers will keep.
“We were encouraged by the enthusiastic response we saw from our customers during the initial pilot of these health and fitness products,” said Chris Koller, vice president of the Portable Electronics Solutions Group at Best Buy. “We clearly tapped into a desire for Best Buy to provide the latest and greatest technology to enhance health regimens, and to help people discover how they can integrate these devices with other personal technology to monitor and share their progress, and to stay motivated.” Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Best Buy, BestBuy, blood pressure monitors, Chris Koller, Gaiam, GoFit, H2O Audio, headphones, Heart Rate Monitors, MIO, Polar, Sportline, yoga mats, Yurbuds
Posted in Equipment, Gadget, Mobile Phone | 1 Comment »
Written by KineticShift on 17 December 2010
Over the past month we rode, we drank, we tested. We tried out many water bottles and wrote up the findings. Here is a recap of Brian O’Connor’s hands on tests of this year’s water bottles:
Nalgene ATB Bottle with Black Closure
The 32 oz version didn’t fit many cages, but the wide neck opening of the bottles made dropping in an ice cube no problem at all. Read the full review.
Specialized Purist
No bad taste, just pure water with this bottle, which mostly rinses clean. Read the full review.
BioGreen ProX
Want to use the same water bottle in a century? Most of the time you can, as the bottles aren’t so biodegradable - but the BioGreenX is made from 20 percent post industrial recycled plastic and should biodegrade in just two years. Read the full review.
Hydrapak Gel-Bot
Like a burst of energy with some gels? The Hydrapak can supply water and gel from one bottle. Read the full review.
Polar Insulated Bottle
On a hot summer ride nothing is better than a cool drink. Too bad most bottles let the liquid heat up to a temperature resembling bath water. Not the Polar Insulated Bottle. Read the full review.
Clean Bottle
Getting a bottle clean can sometimes be no easy task. Wouldn’t be easier if both the top and bottom came off? Oh wait, with the Clean Bottle they do! Read the full review.
CamelBak Podium Bottles
Ready to make a dash for the finish line. The CamelBak Podium Bottle might just have you on the podium. Read the full review.
Nalgene Bottles
Are you tired of the same old bottles? If so consider the variety offered by the Nalgene Bottles that are made from Tritan plastic. Read the full review.
Tags: ATB Bottle, BioGreen, CamelBak, Clean Bottle, Fitness Journal, Gel-Bot, Hands On, Hydrapak, Insulated bottle, Nalgene, Podium Bottle, Polar, ProX, Purist, Specialized, Tritan Plastic, water bottles
Posted in Equipment, Hands On | No Comments »
Written by Enid Burns on 03 December 2010
A vacation on a tropical island where you plan to do nothing more than lay on the beach and dip your toe in the ocean sounds so tempting. But think of all the good you can do for your body if you spend the time working out under the direction of resort professionals.
Sugar Ridge Antigua has a Fit Escape package that includes hiking, ocean fitness, kayaking, Pilates and yoga among other activities. Skilled travelers can also go SCUBA diving, windsurfing and ziplining through the island’s tropical rainforest. Upon arrival, guests receive a postural alignment and body assessment using the Polar program. Polar equipment continues to monitor guests with the use of F2 watches and heart rate monitors. In addition, you’ll continue to get guidance on heart rate monitoring for weight loss, increased endurance and overall fitness throughout the stay. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Polar, Travel
Posted in Outdoors, Travel | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 23 September 2010
There is an old saying that absolute power corrupts absolutely. That probably isn’t a concern however with Kéo Power, a new pedal from LOOK and Polar. This new technologically advanced cycling pedal is much more than the place where you foot goes.
The pedal actually measures an athlete’s power output, as well as left/right balance. You do the pumping, and sensors integrated with the pedal and crank accurately measure the results, sending the data directly to a Polar cycling computer on the bike’s handlebars.
The Kéo pedal is also the lightest clipless pedal in its class, made of injected carbon with a stainless steel 17-4PH axel. While we don’t think it will corrupt anyone, it will make training as absolutely effective as possible.
LOOK Official Website
Polar Official Website
Tags: clipless, Cycling, Interbike, Kéo Power, LOOK, pedal, Polar
Posted in Cycling, Equipment, Interbike | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 20 September 2010
Monitoring progress is certainly a good way to stick with a fitness routine, and to that end Polar has introduced the Polar Active. This is designed for students of all ages, who want to improve their health and fitness. It measures the impact of daily activities, and can track just about every moment. With it users can monitor steps taken, calories burned and even time spent in various activity zones.
Students can use the Polar Active to measure and record their physical activity along, and the device can be used with PolarGoFit.com, an online service for teachers and students to monitor and track activity. The portal allows for easy documentation of activity data including daily and long-term progress as well as the ability to share reports with students, parents and school administrators. This can help encourage activity and motivate students to remain active for longer periods of time and maintain a healthy weight. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Children, Exercise, Polar, Polar Active, PolarGoFit.com
Posted in Equipment, Exercise, Software | No Comments »
