Polar RCX5 user manual Applications, Polar Fitness Test, Before the Test, Performing the Test

Page 36

ENGLISH

9. APPLICATIONS

Polar Fitness Test

The Polar Fitness Test is an easy, safe, and quick way to measure your aerobic (cardiovascular) fitness at rest. The result, Polar OwnIndex, is comparable to maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), which is commonly used to evaluate aerobic fitness. Your long-term level of physical activity, heart rate, heart rate variability at rest, gender, age, height, and body weight all influence OwnIndex. The Polar Fitness Test is developed for use by healthy adults.

Aerobic fitness relates to how well your cardiovascular system works to transport oxygen to your body. The better your aerobic fitness, the stronger and more efficient your heart is. Good aerobic fitness has many health benefits. For example, it helps in decreasing high blood pressure and your risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. If you want to improve your aerobic fitness it takes, on average, six weeks of regular training to see a noticeable change in your OwnIndex. Less fit individuals see progress even more rapidly. The better your aerobic fitness, the smaller the improvements in your OwnIndex.

Aerobic fitness is best improved by training types that use large muscle groups. Such activities include running, cycling, walking, rowing, swimming, skating, and cross-country skiing.

To monitor your progress, start by measuring your OwnIndex a couple of times during the first two weeks in order to get a baseline value, and then repeat the test approximately once a month.

With the Polar Fitness Test, you can also calculate the predicted maximum heart rate value (HR max-p). The predicted HRmax score predicts your individual maximum heart rate more accurately than the age-based formula (220 - age). For further information on HRmax, see User Information Settings (page 31)

To make sure the test results are reliable, the following basic requirements apply:

•You can perform the test anywhere - at home, at the office, at a health club - provided the testing environment is peaceful. There should be no disturbing noises (e.g. television, radio, or telephone) and no other people talking to you.

•Always take the test in the same environment and at the same hour.

•Avoid eating a heavy meal or smoking 2-3 hours prior to testing.

•Avoid heavy physical exertion, alcohol, and pharmacological stimulants on the test day and the previous day.

•You should be relaxed and calm. Lie down and relax for 1-3 minutes before starting the test.

Before the Test

Wear the Transmitter

For further information, see Wear the Transmitter (page 13)

Enter User Information

Select Settings > User information

To carry out the Polar Fitness Test, enter your personal user information and long-term physical activity level in User settings.

Set Predicted HRmax On

If you want to obtain your predicted maximum heart rate value, turn predicted HRmax on.

Select APPLICATIONS > Fitness test > Predicted HRmax > On

Performing the Test

Select APPLICATIONS > Fitness test > Start test

The progress bar indicates that the test is ongoing. Stay relaxed and limit body movements and

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Contents Polar RCX5 Contents Applications English Index Introduction Optional Accessories Training Computer PartsPolar RCX5 Training Computer Parts English Basic Settings Getting StartedButton Functions and Menu Structure Button FunctionsSettings ProgramData Applications Fitness TestPrepare for Training Plan Your TrainingCalibrate the Polar s3+ Stride Sensor Sport ProfilesCalibration by Running Wizard Set Calibration Factor ManuallyOptional s3+ stride sensor required Training Wear the TransmitterStart Training Train With Polar ZoneOptimizer Start Training Session with Polar ZoneOptimizerChange sport during training session English Use Polar Endurance Training Program Use RCX5 in Multisport TrainingTrain With Race Pace Button Functions During TrainingRecord a Lap Lock a ZoneZoom the Training View Display HeartTouchNight Mode Information on the display Symbol ExplanationPersonalize the Training Computer Display View Quick MenuDistance FarReminder FarPause/ Stop Training Recording After Training Analyze Training ResultsSingle Sport Training Files RunningCycling LapsMultisport Training File Week SummariesAutomatic laps Reset Week Summaries Reset TripReset Totals Totals SinceHow to set your PC for data transmission Data TransferTransfer Data Settings Sport Profile SettingsRunning Settings Cycling Settings Bike SettingsSwimming Settings Wheel size diameter inches Wheel size setting mmMethod Heart Rate Settings Other Sport SettingsUser Information Settings Rate limits Set lower limit Accept the value with OK. SetGeneral Settings Maximum Heart Rate HRmaxOwnIndex Recording Rate 15s 60sMin Watch Settings Connection SettingsQuick menu Option is only available when s3+ stride sensor is in use Applications Polar Fitness TestBefore the Test Performing the TestAfter the Test Age / Years Very low Low Fair Moderate Good Very good EliteHow to Use Race Pace Polar Race PaceLatest results Delete OwnIndex ValueEnglish Using a NEW Transmitter Using a New TransmitterPairing a New Transmitter With Training Computer Using a NEW Accessory Pairing a New Speed Sensor With Training ComputerPairing a New Cadence Sensor With Training Computer Pairing a New GPS Sensor With Training ComputerPairing a New Stride Sensor With Training Computer Background Information Polar Sport ZonesTarget zone Example Training benefitHeart Rate Variability Polar ZoneOptimizerBenefits of the ZoneOptimizer feature Measurement phasesZoneOptimizer measurement Maximum Heart Rate Running Cadence and Stride LengthDetermining Maximum Heart Rate Polar Running Index Short-term analysisRunning Index Performance Level Cooper test m Km hmmss 21.098 km 42.195 km HmmssLong-term analysis Polar Training Load Feature Polar Endurance Training Program for Running and CyclingSuitable Program Starting Level for Everybody Polar Training Articles Service Important InformationCaring for Your Product Changing BatteriesPrior to changing the battery, please note the following Change Batteries YourselfBattery Lifetime in RCX5 PrecautionsMinimizing Risks When Training Interference During TrainingTechnical Specifications Training computerTraining computer limit values Frequently Asked Questions Do not know where I am in the menu?Transmitter Water resistanceLimited International Polar Guarantee ZoneOptimizer determination fails?Receipt of the original purchase is your proof of purchase Disclaimer Index
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