Polar Sports Zone

Today I'm going to tell you about the polar sports zone feature. This type of function provides an easy strategy to set and keep track of your intensity training, it is also a powerful way to keep track of your training programs. The Polar Sports zones are primary utilised by runners and bike riders but can also be used for just about any cardio exercises you can think of. The sport zones training is divided directly into 5 different specific zones that's based on your very own maximum heart rate. This kind of feature is available on only a few polar heart rate monitors.

Before you begin training with polar sports zones feature it's advised to complete a polar health and fitness test with the OwnIndex. Polar OwnIndex gives you your VO2 max and your Maximum Heart Rate Value (220 - Age). The VO2 max value will calculate the maximum volume of oxygen the body can intake within a certain time and your heartrate max is calculated simply by subtracting how old you are from 220. The Polar fitness test will produce accurate results that you can also modify or fine tune to fit your own personal fitness level.

To explore the five Different sports zones lets take a closer look at an average running training session that includes intervals.

Polar Sports Zone 1

The Sports Zone 1 intensity level is quite light that requires 50 - 60% of ones maximum heart rate. This zone is used for recovery periods between interval sets.

Polar Sports Zone 2

If you'd like to perform an endurance run then your goal would be to remain within sport zone 2 which demands 60 to 70 percent of your maximum heart rate. This level is still pretty light but it increases metabolic and aerobic capacity and also strengthens your body so that it can tolerate greater intensity training.

Polar Sports Zone 3

If you want to increase performance you can proceed onto the next level and train within sports zone 3. Working Out in Sport zone 3 is incredibly effective for improving speed and stamina which develops your ability to run faster for longer. Training inside of sports zone 3 will require about 70 to 80 percent of your max heart rate.

If you'd like to do an interval workout to prep for a future race you might want to prepare for it in both sport zones 4 and 5.

Polar Sports Zone 4

Sports zone Four will demand 80-90% of your max heart rate. Training Within sports zone 4 increases your speed and anaerobic threshold. Keep in mind you should train within this zone for only short bursts and then start your recovery period by decrease the intensity of your workout back to sports zone 1 or 2 until your heartrate is between 50-60 % of your max heart rate before beginning another set.

Polar Sports Zone 5

Sports zone 5 calls for 90-100 percent of your heart rate. This will tone your  neuromuscular system and increase your explosive speed. After spending 1 to 2 min within sports zone 5 you should then drop back to sports zone 1 or 2 again so that you can recover before doing another set within sports zone 5.

And that's how the sports zone feature works in a running training session but it's not just limited to running, you can use the sport zone feature for many different activities. If you would like to find out more about what polar watches include the polar sports zone feature or if you would like to take a look at our wide range of products available for purchase go to our home page at http://www.pulseinspired.com.