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)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zryNaCmh2Y

Style and functionality are coming together, and this is notable with the new red RCX5, which makes a fashion-forward statement for swimming, cycling, or running. Unveiled earlier this year, the RCX5 is aimed at endurance athletes who want precise coaching to perfect their training. It was released earlier this year in black and is now available in red.

The new Fitness & Cross-training product colors are available through authorized Polar retailers and health club partners, and will be available online later this year. The FT1 is available for a suggested retail price of $69.95. The FT2 is available for a suggested retail price of $89.95. The FT4 is available for a suggested retail price of $99.95. The RCX5 will be available in the new red color design later this fall for a suggested retail price of $349.95 (with additional sport-specific bundlings).

“With Polar, people can get easy guidance while training based on personal heart rate data, pushing themselves effectively toward optimal fitness,” explained Tony Bass, Vice President of Sales, Polar USA. “Now, in addition to helping users train smarter and get fitter, faster, the new colors enable users to up their style quotient as well.”

In October Polar is bringing two exciting new colors into the FT4 family – purple and pink to the women and also black with orange for the guys. If all these brand-new styles are too racy for you then you can definitely return for the original silver and black for guys in addition to bronze for women.

“The foregoing was a relatively easy decision since there are actually no other fitness watches that supply this level of features for under $100,” said Rusty Squire , President of the Heart Rate Watch Company. Patented heart detecting fabric technology used in the strap significantly increases the comfort, heart touch technology permits end users to change display screens without the need of ever pushing buttons and absolutely no other company will be as effectively incorporated with the gym equipment producers.

Style and affordable, what’s not to like about the Polar FT4.

Polar Official Website

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.

With being able to measure the power output independently that is put to each pedal, the Kéo Power appears to be a very useful tool for those wanting to improve their pedaling technique. Most of us probably put a more force to the pedals with our dominate leg, but without a power meter, it is difficult to determine how much and ultimately how to redistribute this power evenly.

Most power meter systems are expensive and can be difficult to move between bikes. The new Kéo Power pedals are just as easy move from bike to bike as standard pedals, plus the calibration is done automatically during the system start up making the switch a breeze. The surface area of the pedals is one of the widest on the market at 62mm and the platform height is the same as the Kéo Blade at 15.2mm.

LOOK didn’t forget the basic pedal construction with the Kéo Power – each axle has 3 bearings and double seals. The Kéo Power axles have undergone exactly the same approval tests as the standard axles… 1 million cycle rotation test at 100 revolutions per minute with a load of almost 200 pounds (90kg) on the center of the pedal and eccentric rotation (this creates a shock at each turn). Though the pedals can support much larger forces, the axle electronics are designed to measure forces up to approximately 374 pounds (170 kg).

Being able to invest in one power measurement system that is easily moved between multiple bikes is one feature that makes the new LOOK Kéo Power pedals attractive to most cyclists. The truth is that many of us are self-sponsored and each time money is spent on a new item, that takes away from the racing budget; but having a tool to measure the power output at the pedals is extremely helpful for training and improving technique. It LOOK’s’ like the Kéo Power is one investment that is worth adding to the training arsenal.

LOOK Cycle Official Website

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.

The WearLink+ transmitter with Bluetooth is exclusively for mobile smartphone use and cannot be used with Polar training computers. It is available online as an accessory set through shoppolar.com and through authorized application provider websites. Android and Symbian smartphone users may download compatible mobile training applications directly from their respective websites. For a list of compatible applications, please visit the Polar WearLink+ with Bluetooth website.

“Smartphone growth continues to skyrocket, with major research firms such as Gartner Group reporting over 100 million devices sold worldwide in the first quarter of this year alone,” said Jeff Padovan, President of Polar USA. “But what’s even more important is the parallel growth in application use and rising popularity of mobile training applications. With the new WearLink+ transmitter with Bluetooth, our widely-acclaimed monitoring technology brings highly accurate heart rate training information to those who are using mobile apps.”

The WearLink+ accessory is available now for $79.95 and it seems like the “missing link” in making a smartphone part of a smart workout.

Polar USA Official Website

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.

“We feel honored to be recognized for the second year in a row for this prestigious award,” said Jeff Padovan, president of Polar USA. “Every year, we continue to find ways to keep our team engaged and invest in employee development. This award shows that those efforts are seen and appreciated.”

Polar has developed a number of creative recognition programs and employee engagement initiatives, including the “Leader of the Pack” award – an initiative that recognizes employees who embody the core values of Polar – and “Bring Your Own Food Day” – a program that promotes the sharing of culinary talents. Some activities make use of Polar technology including the company’s internal version of “March Madness” and “Office Olympics,” as well as participation in the Workman Workplace Challenge, in which the Polar men’s team placed third overall.

“This competition was designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best places of employment in the Empire State, to the benefit of our economy, labor force, and businesses,” said Lorri Zelman, chair of the Best Companies to Work for in New York Program. “Polar USA is one of those companies – I congratulate them on their accomplishment.”

We at KineticShift say congratulations to Polar as well!

Polar USA Official Website

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

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

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.

The training computer can be further configured with the wireless Polar Power Output Sensor W.I.N.D. accessory, and when used with a compatible power measurement accessory, the expanded memory recording rate is automatically set to one second to ensure the most accurate cycling data possible. The CS500 Tour de France even features a two-way rocker switch operation combined with an extra-large, reflection-free data display screen for quick readability and safe control even at high speeds.

“For decades, Polar has been riding with pro cyclists as they’ve led the pack,” said Jeff Padovan, President of Polar USA. “In celebration of the passion, courage, and determination of those who’ve worn, or aspire to wear, the coveted yellow jersey, we’re proud to offer the limited edition CS500 Tour de France, the official training computer of the most prestigious and elite cycling event in the world.”

Users have access to body-related data, with the ability to track speed, distance, cadence, heart rate, calories burned, incline, altitude, ascent, descent and temperature. The CS500 Tour de France training computer can display up to four of these different data points on the extra-large screen. When using the auto-lap splits feature, miles automatically roll-over and cyclists can see a snapshot of their data per lap, and the device syncs with the PolarPersonalTrainer.com website.

This online training journal allows cyclists to easily set goals, track progress, and analyze their results. Using the optional DataLink wireless communication accessory from Polar, which is PC and Mac compatible, users can upload their data to the site. The Training Load feature on polarpersonaltrainer.com shows a user their cumulative training load in a color-coded graph, helping them make smarter decisions by interpreting how hard a specific workout was, and advising them when they’ve recovered from previous workouts.

The CS500 Tour de France training computer is the next best thing to riding to Paris, and for most of us it means we don’t have to make those alpine climbs or try to outsprint Mark Cavendish.

CS500 Tour de France Training Computer Official Website
PolarPersonalTrainer.com

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.

“It’s critical that individuals have a complete understanding of their overall health and fitness before starting any exercise program – whether it’s to lose weight or train for their first marathon,” said Jeff Padovan, President of Polar USA. “BodyAge gives individuals better insight into their current health and fitness and provides an exercise program customized to their specific needs and training goals – all while helping to motivate them to achieve their goals.”

Thanks to the integration of Polar Cardio Coaching in BodyAge 5, personal trainers can design a personalized heart rate-based training program that can be uploaded to a club member’s Polar training computer such as the RS300X, FT60 or FT80 among others.

As users continue to use this new technology they can receive a new training program based on their current condition and objectives. This two-way data communication between the software and Polar training computer allows the club member and their personal trainer to track their progress and analyze the results, helping to motivate and keep them focused.

There is the old saying about acting your age, but with BodyAge 5 you can determine what that age really is, and work out accordingly.

Polar Body Age 5 Official Website

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.”

This new rollout also builds on a successful pilot program launched a year ago, during which the company tested a broad selection of health and fitness gear in 40 stores in select markets. These stores offer a 30-foot-long in-store health and fitness presentation area enables consumers to sample many of these devices before they buy. On display were state-of-the-art heart rate monitoring watches, pedometers, special MP3 players, earbuds, headphones, yoga mats, scales, blood pressure monitors and other products from leading manufacturers such as Gaiam, GoFit, H2O Audio, MIO, Polar, Sportline and Yurbuds.

So while Best Buy won’t be mistaken soon for Sports Authority, let’s hope for healthier living through technology. That’s been our message since we launched last year. The only downside for us is that it means it will be even harder to leave the store.

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.

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.

In addition to the rigorous schedule of fitness activities, you get three treatments at the resort’s Aveda Spa and access to chiropractic services including assessment of posture and biomechanics of movement and cooking classes to promote a healthy lifestyle.

It’s ironic that a resort called Sugar Ridge would have a tropical boot camp. The Fit Escape package seems to be well rounded, and gives you options on what activities you want to participate. There are more active activities and spa treatments and other low-key ones planned to balance things out so you will push yourself but not overdo it under the tropical sun of Antigua.

Sugar Ridge Antigua

Fit Escape

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

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.

The device works as a wrist unit that students wear, and via a built-in accelerometer it can measure daily activity. As a user gets going the device tracks the activity level, and since the Polar Active is always on, it will know when a user is less active. But it can be used to track a variety of activities, including running swimming, jump rope, basketball and softball among others.

“Polar Active will forever change the ways teachers educate and students learn PE” said Jeff Padovan, President of Polar USA. “. “With the activity monitor, students exercise based on their individual fitness level, so it shifts the focus from athletic ability to personal improvement, which is key to developing positive lifelong habits around exercise.”

Given that today one in three children is consider overweight or obsess it is good to see that someone is coming up with a way for activity to be monitored in a way that can be positive without seeming intrusive.

PolarGoFit.com

Polar Active