Polar FT40 - Should This Heart Rate Monitor Make Your Christmas List?
I have been running for 16 years, so it is surprising that the Polar FT40 was my first heart rate monitor! I had held off buying one because I always liked to take my heart rate the good "old Fashioned" way.
However, I have started training for my first marathon, and my running buddies all said I needed the FT40, so I took the plunge.
After using it for one month, I definitely have some opinions about it's performance.
Having seen some heart monitors in my day, I must say that the appearance of this model impressed me right from the start.
It flat out looks stylish and appealing.
I got the green floral design, however beige and grey are also available.
The watch also features a very sturdy build quality, which is good because I have a habit of dropping things.
It is constructed mostly of plastic, however it is the type of plastic that is in no way fragile.
I love the fact that I can input my physical data to the unit, and it will create individual training programs based on my fitness goals.
I have different types of training that I do on different days, so separate programs is a must.
As I exercise, the Polar FT40 monitors and stores key information regarding my workout performance.
Information such as average heart rate, total calories burned, etc.
are all stored for up to my last 16 workouts.
In addition, the data can be uploaded to the Polar website, and I can view it on a graph.
This is an excellent feature to see how I am progressing.
It is also extremely good motivation! Another feature which helps me monitor my fitness level is the 5 minute fitness test.
It is an integrated feature, which is similar to a VO2 max test.
Basically, it helps determine lung capacity.
Lung capacity should increase with regular exercise.
Lastly, the FT40 has the features of a traditional watch, so I actually wear it all the time! I also use the stopwatch feature when I time my splits.
In conclusion, if you have a special person on your Christmas list who likes to exercise, you might consider surprising them with the Polar FT40!
However, I have started training for my first marathon, and my running buddies all said I needed the FT40, so I took the plunge.
After using it for one month, I definitely have some opinions about it's performance.
Having seen some heart monitors in my day, I must say that the appearance of this model impressed me right from the start.
It flat out looks stylish and appealing.
I got the green floral design, however beige and grey are also available.
The watch also features a very sturdy build quality, which is good because I have a habit of dropping things.
It is constructed mostly of plastic, however it is the type of plastic that is in no way fragile.
I love the fact that I can input my physical data to the unit, and it will create individual training programs based on my fitness goals.
I have different types of training that I do on different days, so separate programs is a must.
As I exercise, the Polar FT40 monitors and stores key information regarding my workout performance.
Information such as average heart rate, total calories burned, etc.
are all stored for up to my last 16 workouts.
In addition, the data can be uploaded to the Polar website, and I can view it on a graph.
This is an excellent feature to see how I am progressing.
It is also extremely good motivation! Another feature which helps me monitor my fitness level is the 5 minute fitness test.
It is an integrated feature, which is similar to a VO2 max test.
Basically, it helps determine lung capacity.
Lung capacity should increase with regular exercise.
Lastly, the FT40 has the features of a traditional watch, so I actually wear it all the time! I also use the stopwatch feature when I time my splits.
In conclusion, if you have a special person on your Christmas list who likes to exercise, you might consider surprising them with the Polar FT40!
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