Glossary of Polar Terms and Definitions

See below for more detailed explanations

Altimeter
Shows your current altitude reading with graphical trend curve and your vertical progress. Altitude is measured by using an air pressure sensor. Air pressure changes constantly due to varying weather conditions. Therefore, measured altitudes in the same position may vary. Pressure variations due to weather
conditions, or indoor air-conditioning, may affect altitude readings. Calibrate your Altimeter at regular intervals to make sure it remains accurate. Since the Altimeter and Barometer both use barometric pressure, only one of these features can be activated at a time. Therefore, you will have to activate the Altimeter separately for use. When the Altimeter is activated, all changes in barometric pressure are interpreted as changes in altitude. The Altimeter allows you to identify your current altitude and to determine altitude-related conditions. It will also aid in pinpointing your position on a map and help you select an appropriate route. Using the Altimeter, you will learn how much you can ascend or descend per day, and how fast you can ascend or descend in current weather conditions.

Altitude alarm
The Altitude Alarm is a function informing you when a preset altitude has
been reached.

AutoLap
Set your running computer to automatically take laps at preset distancies.
With this feature you can set your running computer to take laps based on
distance and time, every 1 km or every 15 min, for example.

Barometer
Monitor weather changes with barometric pressure and temperature reading.
Use the Barometer to measure sea level or absolute barometric pressure. Sea
level pressure represents the units estimate of absolute pressure
corrected to sea level (as reported from a weather station or airport).
Absolute barometric pressure is true atmospheric pressure at current
altitude and conditions.
Since the Altimeter and Barometer both use barometric pressure, only one of
these features may be activated at a time. Therefore, you will have to
activate the Barometer separately for use. When the Barometer is activated,
all changes in barometric pressure are interpreted as changes in weather
conditions.
If you remain at the same altitude, changes in barometric pressure tip you
on changing weather conditions. For example, when you camp overnight,
activate the Barometer for the night and check it in the morning for
changes to make sure you are up-to-date on changing weather conditions.

Compass
For navigating and monitoring the right direction.
A digital compass is included in select Polar Outdoor Computer models.The
direction value is given as a cardinal point, as well as in degrees. For
example, when heading east, the letter E, the value in degrees (90) and
three pointers indicating your north will appear on your wrist unit
display.

Cycling Intensity
Tracks the cycling workload as kcal/h and kcal/km.
Cycling workload as kcal/h and kcal/km. With this feature you can foresee
your calorie consumption and secure sufficient intake on a long ride. This
feature is also useful for comparing and analyzing the loads of various
training types. It also measures how economical your training is.

Event Countdown Timer
Set your goal and stay motivated.
Keeps your motivation high by showing how many days are left before your
next running event (e.g. Berlin 23 days).

Exercise Diary
Monitor the amount of calories burnt during exercise sessions in comparison
to your weekly target.
A feature of the Polar Weight Management (Polar WM42/WM41) Program Diary where you can view your exercise calories for the last 26 consecutive weeks and compare them to your weekly target.

Exercise Set (extended exercise profiles)
Create training sessions with individual settings for duration and heart
rate limits.
A feature that allows selecting exercise programs for interval training
including heart rate target zones and recovery calculations.

Fitness Exercise Diary
Monitors your weekly totals.
Monitors the weekly frequency, the total time, total exercise count and
amount of calories burned during the exercise sessions.
The intensities of the weekly workout sessions are also displayed.

HRmax-p
The HRmax-p definition is carried out simultaneously with the Polar Fitness
Test. The HRmax-p score predicts your individual maximum heart rate value
more accurately than the age-based formula (220 minus age).

Intake diary
A function in Polar Weight Management Program Diary (Polar WM 41/42), where you can view your automatically saved calorie intake for the last 14
consecutive days.

Interval timers
The freely programmable Interval Trainer will automatically guide you
through the interval training session with the help of the preset exercise
phases: warm-up with a target heart rate zone and a countdown timer, up to
30 intervals with a target heart rate zone (after each interval you have a
recovery calculation option), cool-down with a target heart rate zone and a
countdown timer.

Interval trainer (HR, pace, distance) guided workouts
Create your personal multizone workouts with heart ate/speed/
distance and timing guidance.
Allows you to create and name your own favorite time and/or heart rate.
Speed/pace or distance guided workouts with up to three linked timers or
distances and up to three target zones.

IrDA
Transfers data to and from a PC using infrared communication.
Infrared communication, or IrDa, allows for two-way exchange of settings
and exercise data with a PC.

Lap Times
Study your performance through lap times.
This feature identifies lap time, split time, heart rate and average lap
heart rate. It also automatically identifies your best lap time.

Mobile Connectivity
Enables you to send your training data to the Nokia 5140 mobile phone. All
you need in addition is the Polar MobileLink Application.

Multiphase Exercise Profile
Create training sessions with individual settings for duration and heart
rate limits with multiple interval and recovery sessions.
Each exercise profile may include up to six pre-programmable exercise
phases. Each phase may include up to 30 interval and recovery periods,
which alternate continuously throughout the phase.

Nutrition Diary
Input and monitor your nutrition calories in comparison to your daily
target. A function in Polar Weight Management Program Diary (WM 41/WM42), where you can view your automatically saved calorie intake for the last 14 consecutive days.

Optional running speed and distance measurement
Polar S725X Cycling Computer is compatible with the Polar S1 Foot Pod
(running speed and distance).
For multi-sports training running speed and distance can be measured with
the optional Polar S1 Foot Pod that is attached to the runners shoe. The
information (pace as min./km or min./mile) is displayed the same way as
cycling information.

Overtraining Test
Based on the latest research, this test determines whether you're in shape
for a training session or need a rest.
You find the Overtraining Test in Polar Precision Performance Software

Polar Body Workout
Guidance in muscular strength training always with you.
Polar body workout gives basic guidance for muscular strength training.
Body workout provides strength training movements, count of sets,
repetitions, and weights recommendations. The workout can be easily
performed by following the guidance given by the Polar F55 Fitness Heart
Rate Monitor. Body workout can be edited according to your development.

Polar Fitness Test with OwnIndex
Measures your fitness level in 5 minutes.
A fitness test that measures your aerobic/cardiovascular fitness at rest in
just five minutes. The result, Polar OwnIndex, predicts your maximal oxygen
uptake (VO2max).
The Polar Fitness Test is a revolutionary way to test aerobic fitness.
Gender, age, height, body weight, in addition to level of physical
activity, heart rate and heart rate variability at rest are all factors
influencing the test results. The OwnIndex ranges usually from 20 to 95 and
is comparable to VO2max, the golden standard of aerobic fitness.
OwnIndex is most meaningful when following changes in your fitness over a
long period of time. Find out how fit you are for your age and gender by
comparing your result to the global references listed in the Polar user's
manuals.
With the Polar Fitness Test you can measure your aerobic fitness by
yourself, automatically and without any exertion. No other equipment other
than a heart rate monitor is needed. The Polar Fitness Test is as accurate
in predicting the VO2max as any submaximal fitness test.

Polar Heart Rate Rest Test
Measure your resting heart rate to determine how well you have adapted to
extreme conditions.
Take the Polar Heart rate Rest Test to measure your resting heart rate.
This will provide you with information on the state of your physical
fitness and recovery, or your acclimatization to altitude.

Polar Keeps U Fit - Own Workout Program
Guides you to reach your personal fitness goals.
The Polar Keeps U Fit - Own Workout Program gives you personal
guidance - how often, how hard, and how long you need to exercise
to reach your personal fitness goals. The feature is included in the Polar
F11 and F55 Fitness Heart Rate Monitors. In addition, the program can be
used free of charge in Polar Fitness Trainer web service.

Polar OwnCal
Counts and displays calorie expenditure.
The Polar OwnCal feature shows your energy expenditure during one exercise
session as well as your accumulated kilocalories during several exercise
sessions.
You can set daily and weekly exercise goals in terms of calorie expenditure
with the OwnCal feature. Because the OwnCal tracks both the energy
expenditure during one exercise session and the accumulated kilocalories
during a longer time e.g. one week, it helps in achieving both short term
and long term goals.
The Polar OwnCal feature shows your energy expenditure during one exercise
session as well as your accumulated kilocalories during several exercise
sessions. In Polar M-series Heart Rate Monitors, OwnCal calculation takes
into account your gender, body weight and exercise heart rate. The
calculation starts when your exercise intensity reaches 100 bpm. In Polar
S-series Heart Rate Monitors, OwnCal calculation takes into account VO2max,
HRmax and exercise heart rate. The calculation starts when your exercise
intensity reaches 60 % of your maximum heart rate or 90 bpm - whichever is
lower. In Polar Weight Management products the calculation starts when you
put your transmitter on and start exercising.

Polar OwnCode
Prevents cross-talk from other heart rate monitors.
As more and more people use heart rate monitors today, preventing cross
talk from other devices in group situations at the gym or when jogging with
a friend becomes essential. The unique coded technology blocks unwanted
signals from other heart rate monitors, ensuring disturbance-free
transmission of your heart rate data.

Polar OwnIndex
The Polar OwnIndex is the result of the Polar Fitness Test, which is a
revolutionary way to test aerobic fitness at rest in just five minutes.
Influencing your OwnIndex level are factors such as gender, age, height,
body weight, level of physical activity, heart rate and heart rate
variability at rest. The OwnIndex levels typically range from 20 to 95 and
are comparable to VO2max, the golden standard of aerobic fitness.
OwnIndex is most meaningful when following changes in your fitness over a
long period of time. To find out how fit you are for your gender and age,
compare your results to the global references listed in the Polar user's
manuals.

Polar OwnOptimizer
Train and rest in the right balance. Polar OwnOptimizer test tells you
whether you have recovered enough for your next training session.
Polar OwnOptimizer test is an easy and reliable way to determine whether
your training program is optimally developing your performance. Based on
the test, you are provided with a nice-scale description of your personal
training status.

Polar OwnRelax
Follow your bodys state of relaxation.
OwnRelax is the result of a relaxation session, which is an easy and quick
way to test how relaxed you body is. The 5-minute relaxation session is
based on heart rate and heart rate variability and can be measured with the
Polar F55 Fitness Heart Rate Monitor.
OwnRelax helps to track and improve overall well being. Daily relaxation
session can be done anywhere, anytime, lying down, or sitting comfortably
with no talk or disturbing noises.

Polar OwnZone (weight)
Automatic determination of your individual target heart rate zone. The
OwnZone feature determines an individual and safe light intensity exercise
zone (60-75% HRmax). The OwnZone Weight is ideal for weight loss exercise
for less fit individuals and for those recovering from sickness or
intensive training.
Polar WM42/WM41 determines OwnZone (basic) and OwnZone (weight) heart rate
limits for an exercise session in 5 minutes.

Polar OwnZone
Determines personal heart rate limits for a training session.
The Polar OwnZone (OZ) feature determines an individual exercise zone. It
guides you through an appropriate warm-up routine and automatically
determines a safe and effective exercise heart rate zone - your OwnZone -
while taking into account your current physical condition.
Polar Heart Rate Monitors use multiple methods for determining your
OwnZone. The primary method is to measure your heart rate variability
during the warm-up period before exercising. If the measurement is not
successful, your latest saved OwnZone limits are used. If there are no
previous limits in the memory, the Polar Heart Rate Monitor will
automatically calculate OwnZone limits based on your age-predicted maximum
heart rate (220 minus age). You should determine your OwnZone at the
beginning of your workout whenever you change exercise environment and/or
exercise mode or if your mental state changes when feeling stressed, for
instance.
The OwnZone Basic corresponds to 65-85 % of the maximum heart rate.
Exercise at the lower end of this intensity level can be conducted for
extended periods safely and often yields the best results for weight
control, while exercise at the upper end of this intensity produces the
best results for improving cardiovascular (aerobic) fitness.

The OwnZone Advanced feature consists of two training areas: OwnZone Low and OwnZone High, providing greater variations in exercising than the
OwnZone Basic area, which can be rather wide for more focused training.

The OwnZone Light corresponds to 60-70% of your maximum heart rate. This intensity still feels fairly easy for most people. It helps in weight
control and improves endurance and cardiovascular fitness.

The OwnZone Moderate corresponds to 70-80% of your maximum heart rate. This intensity is especially good for people who are exercising regularly.
Exercising in this zone is particularly effective for improving cardiovascular fitness.

The OwnZone Hard corresponds to 80-90% of maximum heart rate. You will find yourself breathing heavily, having tired muscles and feeling fatigued. This
intensity is recommended occasionally for fit people.

The OwnZone Weight corresponds to about 60-75% of your maximum heart rate. The OwnZone Weight is ideal for weight loss exercise for less fit
individuals and for those recovering from sickness or intensive training.

Polar OwnZone
Determines personal heart rate limits for an exercise session.
The Polar OwnZone (OZ) feature determines an individual exercise zone. It
guides you through an appropriate warm-up routine and automatically
determines a safe and effective exercise heart rate zone - your OwnZone -
while taking into account your current physical condition.
Polar Heart Rate Monitors use multiple methods for determining your
OwnZone. The primary method is to measure your heart rate variability
during the warm-up period before exercising. If the measurement is not
successful, your latest saved OwnZone limits are used. If there are no
previous limits in the memory, the Polar Heart Rate Monitor will
automatically calculate OwnZone limits based on your age-predicted maximum
heart rate (220 minus age). You should determine your OwnZone at the
beginning of your workout whenever you change exercise environment and/or
exercise mode or if your mental state changes when feeling stressed, for
instance.

Polar Power Output Sensor
A frictionless sensor measuring the vibrations of the chain as it passes
through the sensor. It measures the average and maximum cadence, power
output and pedaling index of the exercise in addition to left/right
pedaling balance (average balance between left and right foot pedaling).

Polar UpLink Tool
Edit your wrist unit settings with a computer.
Transfer data from PC to your wrist unit via UpLink.
The Polar UpLink Tool enables audio transmission using loudspeakers and a
sound card to transfer for example exercise sets and logos from your PC to
your Polar wrist unit.

Polar Weight Management Program
Your personal weight management program, which helps you to lose and
maintain your weight.
The Weight Management Program gives guidance on how many calories to eat
and how many to expend through exercise in order to achieve target body
weight in chosen duration.

Polar sport zones
Helps you to train at the right intensity.
Polar sport zones provides an easy way to select and monitor the intensity
of your training and to follow Polars sport zones based training programs.
The training is divided into five zones based on percentages of your
maximum heart rate: very light (50-60%HRmax), light (60-70% HRmax),
moderate (70-80%HRmax), hard (80-90% HRmax) and maximum (90-100% HRmax).

Program Update
Reminder to input your weight daily and to update your Weight Management
Program weekly.

Polar Weight Management Program feature, i.e. a reminder to input your
weight daily and to update your Weight Management Program weekly.

Self Walk Test with WalkIndex
A fitness test developed by Polar and the UKK Institute to measure
aerobic/cardiovascular fitness with a brisk 1.24-mile (2-kilometer) walk on
a hard, even surface. The result of the test, the WalkIndex, predicts a
persons maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max).

SelfWalk Test
Measures your aerobic/cardiovascular fitness with a 2-km walk.
A fitness test developed by the UKK Institute and Polar to measure
aerobic/cardiovascular fitness with a brisk 1.24-mile (2-kilometer) walk on
a hard, even surface. The result of the test, the WalkIndex, predicts a
persons maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) based on personal information
(gender, age, BMI), walking time and heart rate.

Slope Counter
Shows the number of slopes you have gone down the piste.
The Slope Counter will automatically record the number of slopes you cover.
A course of at least 50m /165ft descended continuously is registered as a
slope.

Speed, pace and distance
Motivate your training sessions with accurate speed, distance and pace per
km/mile.
Running speed and distance are measured with the Polar S1 foot pod that is
attached to the runners shoe.

Vertical Speed
Shows ascent and descent rate indicating how fast you have gone vertically
up or down.
You can utilize this information to keep track of your performance or to
keep your speed constant (e.g. to save energy on a long hike or other
outdoor activity).

WalkIndex
The result of the Self Walk Test, comparable to your maximal oxygen uptake
(VO2max).

Weight Diary
Input and monitor your current weight in comparison to your target weight.
Program function: You can input and monitor your current weight as compared
to your target weight.

Wireless Data Communication
Transfers data to and from a PC via SonicLink and UpLink.
A feature allowing uploads of exercise settings from a PC with UpLink and
SonicLink.

ZoneLock
Simply the easiest way to set a target zone.
You can activate a target zone with a press of a button during your run. You can also deactivate the zone alarm just as easily by pressing a button.

ZonePointer
Makes it easy to stay in your target zone. Displays your current sport zone with a heart symbol between the limit numbers on the display.

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