Polar A5 Heart Rate Monitor

by Polar

Product Features

• Determine your fitness level and set up your exercise program using the built-in Self Walk Test
• The Zone Pointer will keep you in your Target Zone
• OwnCal counter tracks the calories you burn during exercise
• Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Large, easy to read display

Product Description

POLAR A5 - Many exercisers pace themselves by how many sets they do, how long they exercise or how far they go. However, research shows that if exercise doesn't raise your heart rate above 50% of its maximum rate, you may not get the most effective results. And if you exercise too far above your target zone, you'll tire too quickly. The most effective exercise zone is within 65% to 85% of the maximum heart rate. The Polar A5 is an invaluable tool for moderate exercisers who are training for fitness and weight loss. Personal target heart rate zones Manual and automatic heart rate limit settings Heart rate Zone Pointer with alarm function Shows your heart rate, exercise time and average heart rate

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces
• ASIN: B000A84CMY
• UPC: 725882132150
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #635,725 in Health & Personal Care (See Top 100 in Health & Personal Care)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This will do, what more do you need?, January 27, 2004

By 

Jan Husdal (Molde, Norway) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

I am an avid cyclist, so I bought this to keep track of my heart rate so I wouldn't overdo my training and keep my desired pace. My average spped actually slowed down after I started using it, but I felt much less exhausted too, so my overall fitness level increased as a result of correct exercising.
The device has all the basic functions you need, and at this price, you get your money's worth. There's no need to invest in sophisticated gear if you like me are just he average Joe trying to keep his body and health in shape.

A few cons though:
1. The setting process is straightforward but tedious. You have to run through the entire process every time you want to change, say, your maxiumum heart rate. This is especially annoying if you keep this as your only watch and need to set the alarm to get up the next morning.
2. It does not keep a file, so if you want to check on your progress you will need to keep a separate notebook.

For a starter this is perfect. I'd rather choose this one than any of the other lower ranked and priced models. This is the minimum, don't settle for less.