F. POLAR FITNESS TEST

The Polar Fitness Test is an easy, safe and quick way to estimate individual maximal aerobic power and to get predicted maximum heart rate value. The Polar Fitness Test is targeted to healthy adults.

OwnIndex

OwnIndex is a value which is comparable to maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max ), a commonly used descriptor of aerobic fitness. Cardiovascular (aerobic) fitness relates to how well your cardiovascular system works to transport and utilize oxygen in your body. The stronger and more efficient your heart is, the better the cardiovascular fitness is. VO2max is a good indicator of performance capability in endurance sports.

If you want to improve your cardiovascular fitness, it takes a minimum of 6 weeks on an average to see a noticeable change in OwnIndex. Less fit individuals see progress even more rapidly and for more fit individuals more time is needed.

Cardiovascular fitness is best improved by exercise types which employ large muscle groups. Such activities include running, swimming, rowing, skating, cross-country skiing, cycling and walking.

To monitor your fitness progress start with measuring your OwnIndex a couple of times during the first two weeks, to get a baseline value. Thereafter, repeat the test approximately once a month.

OwnIndex is based on resting heart rate, heart rate variability at rest, age, gender, height, body weight and self-assessed physical activity.

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