Polar RC3 GPS user manual Maximum Heart Rate, Running Cadence and Stride Length

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ENGLISH

Maximum Heart Rate

Maximum heart rate (HRmax) is the highest number of heartbeats per minute (bpm) during maximum physical exertion. It is individual and depends on age, hereditary factors, and fitness level. It may also vary according to the type of sport performed. HRmax is used to express training intensity.

Determining Maximum Heart Rate

Your HRmax can be determined in several ways.

•The most accurate way is to have your HRmax clinically measured, usually on a maximal treadmill or by taking a bicycle stress test supervised by a cardiologist or an exercise physiologist.

•You can also determine your HRmax by taking a field test together with a training partner.

•HRmax can also be estimated by using the commonly used formula: 220 - age, although research shows that this method is not very accurate, especially for older persons or those who have been fit for many years.

If you have done some hard training in recent weeks and know that you can safely reach maximum heart rate, you can safely take a test to determine your HRmax yourself. Having a training buddy with you during the test is recommended. If you are uncertain, consult your physician before undertaking the test.

Here is an example of a simple test.

Step 1: Warm up for 15 minutes on a flat surface, building up to your usual training pace.

Step 2: Choose a hill or stairwell that will take more than 2 minutes to climb. Run up the hill/steps once, building to as hard a pace as you can hold for 20 minutes. Return to the base of the hill/steps.

Step 3: Run up the hill/steps again, building towards a pace you could just about hold for 3 kilometers. Note your highest heart rate. Your maximum is approximately 10 beats higher than the noted value.

Step 4: Run back down the hill, allowing your heart rate to drop 30-40 beats per minute.

Step 5: Run up the hill/steps once again at a pace that you can only hold for 1 minute. Try to run halfway up the hills/steps. Note your highest heart rate. This brings you close to your maximum heart rate. Use this value as your maximum heart rate to set training zones.

Step 6: Make sure you get a good cool-down, a minimum of 10 minutes.

Running Cadence and Stride Length

Cadence* is the number of times the foot with the stride sensor* hits the ground per minute.

Stride length* is the average length of one step. That is the distance between your right and left foot contacting the ground.

Running speed = 2 * stride length * cadence

There are two ways to run faster: moving your legs at a higher cadence or taking longer steps.

Elite long distance runners typically run with a high cadence of 85-95. On uphills, typical cadence values are lower. On downhills they are higher. Runners adjust stride length to gather speed: stride length increases as speed increases.

Yet one of the most common mistakes novice runners make is over-striding. The most efficient stride length is the natural one – the one that feels most comfortable. You will run faster in races by strengthening your leg muscles so they take you forward with a longer stride.

You should also work on maximizing cadence efficiency. Cadence does not progress easily, but if properly trained, you will be able to sustain it throughout your runs and maximize your performance. To develop cadence, the nerve-muscle connection needs to be trained - and reasonably frequently. A session of cadence training a week is a good start. Incorporate some cadence work into the rest of your week. During long easy runs, you could include some faster cadence every now and then.

Polar Smart Coaching

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Contents Polar RC3 GPS Contents Before the Test Performing the Test After the Test NEW AccessoryIntroduction Key Features and BenefitsTraining Computer Parts ALL-IN-ONE Training SystemTraining Software With WebSync software you canAvailable Accessories Button Functions SettingsMenu Structure Press and holdFitness Test Training Computer Battery Battery operating timeCharging Your Training Computer Low battery notifications Battery Status IndicationCharge before training Setting UP the Training Computer Basic SettingsSport Profile Settings Wearing the Heart Rate Sensor TrainingStarting a Training Session Start by pressing StartSelect the sport profile Start recording the training session Do not move your arm during the search. Keep stillStart Training Session with Polar ZoneOptimizer Train with Polar ZoneOptimizerHeart rate sensor GPS function on S3+ stride sensor Training ViewsCalories ZonePointer Time of day Time in Zone Duration Symbols on the display / Explanation Cadence Distance Symbols on the display / Explanation CaloriesDuration Heart rateButton Functions During Training Night ModeRecord a Lap Lock a Sport ZonePause / Stop Training Recording Back to Starting PointView Quick Menu After Training Training BenefitFeedback Training benefit Sport zones Training FilesSpeed sensor is in use Visible if the heart rate sensor is in useEnglish Training File Views Information Displayed Delete Files Reset Totals Reset Week SummariesWeek Summaries Totals SincePOLARPERSONALTRAINER.COM How to set up your computer for data transmissionAnalyze Your Training Data Utilize Polar Endurance Training ProgramsSettings Running SettingsCycling Settings Method Bike SettingsOther Sport Settings Heart Rate SettingsGeneral Settings User Information SettingsMaximum Heart Rate HRmax OwnIndexTime Mode Watch SettingsPre-training mode Training ModeEnglish Before the Test Polar Fitness TestPerforming the Test Wear the heart rate sensorAfter the Test Update to VO2max?Fitness Level Classes Men WomenOwnindex results Delete OwnIndex ValueAnalyzing OwnIndex Results with Software Pairing a New Sensor with the Training Computer NEW AccessoryPairing a New Heart Rate Sensor with the Training Computer Pairing a New Speed Sensor with the Training ComputerPairing a New Cadence Sensor with the Training Computer Pairing a New Stride Sensor with the Training ComputerCalibrate the Polar s3+ Stride Sensor Calibration by Running Wizard Set Calibration Factor ManuallySet correct lap distance Set correct distance Polar Sport Zones Polar Smart CoachingBenefits of the ZoneOptimizer feature Heart Rate VariabilityPolar ZoneOptimizer ZoneOptimizer measurement Measurement phasesMaximum Heart Rate Running Cadence and Stride LengthDetermining Maximum Heart Rate Polar Running Index ExampleShort-term analysis Men Long-term analysis Cooper test m Km hmmss 21.098 km 42.195 km HmmssPolar Endurance Training Program for Running and Cycling Polar Training Load FeatureSuitable Program Starting Level for Everybody Caring for Your Product Important InformationService Change the Heart Rate Sensor BatteryBatteries Changing Heart Rate Sensor Battery PrecautionsInterference During Training Electromagnetic Interference and Training EquipmentMinimizing Risks When Training Technical SpecificationsTraining computer limit values Question/Problem Answer/Solution Frequently Asked QuestionsWater resistance On your wrist. Keep your wrist stationary and raisedGPS? Charge is critically low. The training computer Receipt of the original purchase is your proof of purchase Limited International Polar GuaranteeDisclaimer Index
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