New Polar Beat App Adds Exercise Intelligence to Training

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Oct. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Polar (www.polarusa.com), the leader in heart rate monitoring and fitness assessment technologies, today introduced the new Polar Beat – a next generation exercise training app. As the company celebrates its 35^th anniversary, this launch represents its next stride on the path of innovations and tools to help users train smarter to improve performance. 

Now available in the iTunes App Store, Polar Beat adds exercise intelligence to training data to surpass apps which simply track exercise, so a user knows what the body has achieved and what to do to meet a desired fitness goal.

Drawing on its 35-year legacy of exceptional accuracy and robust training guidance, Polar Beat adds meaning and direction to workouts, whether a person has just signed up to a local gym, or is world class triathlete or works out indoors or outdoors. When used together with the Polar H7 heart rate sensor, one of the first sensors to use low energy Bluetooth® Smart technology, it sports numerous unique features that users can take advantage of to maximize their fitness:

• Plan a training target: A user may want to burn calories or beat a time or distance record. He or she can also upgrade inside the app (for $3.99) to target a more sophisticated goal such as boosting metabolism, working on aerobic or anaerobic fitness, or pushing maximum performance and sprint speed.
• Train at the right intensity: Polar Beat helps users stay within target heart rate zones regardless of their personal goals. With the in-app upgrade, they can also see deeper real-time analysis of the main effects of a workout, such as fat burning vs. fitness improving.  
• Understand the effect of a workout: Polar Beat interprets workout data to visually display the results of training at different levels of intensity. Users can see what they have achieved, such as improved endurance, increased strength or burned fat.
• Accurate calorie tracking: Get the most accurate calorie count – even while exercising indoors.

Additional features of the Polar Beat include: training targets and training session data for time, distance and calories; maps and music; and training history and personal bests. It's also social, so users can share success with friends and family online.

"Polar recognized early on that the future is in Bluetooth Smart.  The Polar Beat, along with the H7, will allow many of the millions of smartphone users to experience the benefits of heart rate for the first time," said Herb Baer, Polar USA president. "Polar has put decades of expertise into this technology to ensure anyone can enjoy and improve their fitness with accurate, intelligent information.  With the Polar Beat, users can get guidance and feedback through all aspects of training, tailored to their needs."

Pricing, availability and compatibility
Polar Beat can be found on Apple's App Store today at no cost. An in-app feature upgrade for $3.99 is also available, providing advanced target setting and deeper real-time workout analysis. Polar Beat is compatible with the iPhone 4s, the new iPhone 5 and any iPhone functioning on Apple's new iOS 6 operating system.

Polar Beat's enhanced features like heart rate monitoring, accurate calorie counting and training intensity levels can be utilized in conjunction with the new Polar H7 Heart Rate Sensor. The Polar H7 Heart Rate Sensor pairs with Polar Beat, using Bluetooth Smart for a high quality connection and minimal battery consumption. Discover more about Polar Beat and H7 at http://www.polarusa.com/beat/us-en/.  

About Polar
Headquartered in Lake Success, NY, Polar USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Finland-based Polar Electro OY, which invented the first wireless heart rate monitor (HRM) in 1977. Polar now operates internationally in more than 80 countries and its products are sold through 35,000 retailers globally. Polar heart rate and fitness assessment technology delivers unparalleled insight into the human body from valuable training guidance and feedback, to enabling individuals to improve their fitness level and sports performance. Polar technology is key to the success of leading fitness facilities, athletic teams, corporate wellness facilities, health insurance providers and thousands of physical education programs around the world. Today, Polar training computers are the number one choice among consumers worldwide. For more information, visit www.polarusa.com.

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SOURCE Polar