- Continuous, accurate heart rate provides clear workout guidance
- Energy Pointer feature tells you if the main effect of your training is fitness improvement or fat burning
- Smart Calorie feature uses your personal data to provide accurate calories burned
- Polar H1 heart rate sensor
- Connects with compatible gym equipment using Gym Link and water resistant (30m)
8 reviews for Polar
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Monica –
Ever since I learned more about heart rate training, I began to implement the use of a heart rate monitor into my own training. I needed my monitor to do these two things: count calories and show heart rate.
*Initial Thoughts*
I had been using my Garmin Forerunner 405CX for indoor workouts. Although it’s a great tool, I didn’t need all the data it offered and the large watch constantly got in the way of everyday tasks. The large, clunky watch was heavy and got pretty banged up throughout the day. I decided to look into the more simple, yet effective Polar heart rate monitors and settled on the Polar FT40. I love how the slim design allowed it to be worn as an everyday watch. As someone who works out throughout the day, I value the ability to press a button to track my calories as I taught a class or trained a client.
*Setup*
Setting up my Polar FT40 couldn’t have been any easier. Upon opening the box, I inputted my information into the watch: height, weight, activity level, gender. The heart rate strap is not as high in quality as Garmin’s premium strap, but it was good enough. One of the best parts about Polar straps is that a replacement can also be purchased for less than $20. I wet the electrodes and put on the HR strap so the watch can conduct the Fitness Test. The Fitness Test calculates your heart rate for a few minutes while you’re in a relaxed state, and then ranks you according to your resting HR. I kicked back, relaxed, and let the Fitness Test do its thing.
Users have reported wonky data within a few months of consistent use, and this is usually fixed by hand washing the HR strap. I always wipe down my watch and HR strap at the end of the day to prevent harmful salt buildup and gently hand wash the strap (without the snap on device) every week.
*During Workouts*
The watch was easy enough to maneuver for my first workout. With a simple click of a button, the watch was able to pick up my heart rate with ease. Throughout the workout, the watch has the ability to manually scroll through a few screens: heart rate, heart rate effect (fat zone vs. fitness zone), calories, and the time. Because of it’s comfortable design, you forget that it’s there. My Forerunner buttons would constantly jab into my wrist and stop time when I performed any exercise that required wrist extension, like a plank. No such problems like that with my FT40.
*Post Workout Data*
Although you can cycle through screens throughout your workout, more information is available at the end of the workout. The calorie counter is especially important because I use that data to input into my food diary. I don’t like to rely on machines or My Fitness Pal to guesstimate how many calories I’ve burned. Granted, the watches guess too, but they take into account more information than software on treadmills.
The FT40 also provides information such as your average and maximum HR, along with what percentage of the workout was low intensity vs. high intensity. Since the body burns a greater percentage of fat in low intensity workouts, this is exemplified through the display, “Cal. Fat”
During the workout, the FT40 has a screen that tells you whether you’re in the Fat Loss vs. Fitness zone. Unfortunately, the number that dictates Fitness is decided solely on the watch and can’t be manually adjusted. The Fitness threshold is set at 65%, which is technically the proper intensity of %maxHR (MHR) to elicit a physiological response in the body. Keep in mind that if you’re in great shape, you’ll need a greater intensity of about 85% to push that adaptation threshold.
If you don’t know your MHR and you’re healthy with good joints, I suggest doing a max test on a treadmill to find your true MHR. If you can’t do that, skip the simple 220-age formula and use 206.9 – (0.67 x age). The latter formula has been shown to be more accurate than the antiquated 220 – age. A max test to test MHR is recommended every five years because MHR declines with age.
Find your resting HR (RHR) by taking your heart rate first thing in the morning. Count the beats for a full 60 seconds and take the average number of a couple of trials. As you get in better shape, your RHR will lower and you will need to update the information stored in your watch.
*Conclusion*
If you need something simple that can get the job though, the FT40 is for you. The simpler FT7 is similar in function except that it doesn’t have the fat loss vs. fitness capabilities. I really love that I can wear my FT40 as an everyday watch and that the HR strap is pretty comfortable. This is a great motivational tool for people who want to increase fitness and monitor their workouts. The calorie counter is indispensable for calorie counters who need to lose or gain weight.
Lisa in Htown –
This is an absolutely great heart rate monitor. I got it a week ago. Delivery was quick, and the product came well packaged and in excellent condition. It has been simple to use. I also bought the Flowlink accessory so that I can download and monitor my data online. I have used this HR monitor during my Trekking, Spinning, Step and Sculpt, and TRX classes. I used it walking at the park and while jumping rope. I also used it during yoga and Pilates classes. It works like a charm. It’s been very motivating for me to see how many calories I’m burning and also to see my heart rate. I used the Fitness Test feature the second day that I had it. I am using the online Training Load tracking to see when I need a break or a lighter or more intense workout. All of this information is very helpful. I feel like I’m exercising “smarter”. I feel confident that good results will follow. Last but not least, the watch computer looks good. It’s a nice looking sporty watch that I can wear even when I’m not working out. The heart rate sensor strap is comfortable. I just wear it right below my sports bra, and it works fine. I was surprised to find that at my gym, the computers on the treadmills and the Keiser Spinning cycles pick up the output from my heart rate sensor. So, I can see my heart rate on the screen of the equipment as well as on my watch, which is a plus. I haven’t gone swimming with it yet, but I am glad that I will be able to do that, as I love to swim. Overall, I am very happy and would by this product again.
Simletitia –
Nice, sleek design, Perfect for monitoring all Activities… Gives accurate information on calories, fat burning or fitness and a large memory bank. Very easy to use. Great quality. Definitely recommended.
Steph –
I just started training for a 5k and wanted to have something that would help me keep track of my heart rate and calories burned. I have asthma and need to keep my heart rate below a certain number. This monitor is awesome! Not only does it show me my heart rate, but it beeps when I go above the set range. I like the light function too since sometimes I run when it’s getting dark and I can’t see the screen well. The rubber watch band isn’t bothersome, though it definitely traps sweat when you’re working out. Some people commented on how big the watch face is and I agree that to some it may seem large (approximately the diameter of a golf ball), but I think if it were any smaller you’d have a difficult time reading all of the information. Additionally, I don’t find that keeping the white rubber clean is an issue. It looks just as good as the day I opened it. I also like that it times my workout; now I’m able to keep track of how long my run is and see when I make improvements. The heart monitor band was uncomfortable at first, but as soon as you start working out it’s barely noticeable. I recommend rinsing it off after every use to prolong the life of the elastic. Because I am a novice runner (just getting back into it) I can’t really say if this is a great piece for the avid runner. However, I love it and it’s extremely accurate. A bit pricey for my taste, but a worthwhile investment in my health. Can’t beat that!
R –
ウォーキングの為に、購入しました。
GPS機能はありませんが、雨の日でも使用できとても便利です。
また、電池交換も自分で出来る為経済的で気に入っています。
Stefanie I –
I’ve wanted a proper heart rate monitor watch for a while and this one has proved to be exactly what I was looking for.
I had one previously that you had to use your fingers to identify your heartbeat, but it proved inaccurate and often didn’t work.
Having the strap and monitor to go on your chest is great, I know exactly how much I am burning, what my heart rate is, and how long I have been doing fitness vs. how much time I have been burning fat.
This watch is a lot of money, but it has been completely worth it to me, would highly recommend to anyone!
Rob –
Must for fitness. Keeps track of everything. Good to have.
Oli1979 –
Easy to use! It changed the way I train. I would recommend to anyone who need a good heart rate monitor. I didn’t want an expensive watch with GPS since I’m happy with runkeeper on my cell. Only a good HRM and the FT7 is the better buy you could do I guess. The chest strap is comfortable and fully compatible with cardio training quipment at gym.