Polar Introduces RCX3 Training Computer

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., June 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Polar (www.polarusa.com), the leader in heart rate monitoring and fitness assessment technologies, today introduced the new GPS-ready RCX3 training computer that gives instant feedback after every session.  The RCX3 interprets what users' heart data says to provide simple-to-understand guidance at every step – making their training smarter.  The RCX3 is now available in two slim and sleek black and white designs for men and women.

The Polar RCX3 comes with Smart Coaching that provides guidance in terms of planning, training and analyzing each session in detail. It helps users train at the right intensity with personalized sport zones, sport-specific training data for a variety of endurance sports and instant feedback after each session for a quick motivational training analysis.

"What makes the RCX3 so great is the instant feedback it gives you right after your training," said Joona Laukka, Cycling, Running & Multisport Segment Manager for Polar Electro Oy. "The RCX3 can tell you in detail what the benefit of your training is, just by listening to your heart throughout the session. This will help you understand how your body reacts to training. Smart Coaching is all about interpreting what your heart says about your training."

Key RCX3 Features:

• Training Benefit: This new feature gives instant feedback after each session based on the intensity and the duration of exercise. A summary appears right after each session and provides a quick overview. Users can then check their training file to find more detailed information on the session. 

• ZoneOptimizer: Knowing how hard to train can be a challenge and it depends on many factors, including physical and mental state, stress, sleep, and previous training. The ZoneOptimizer feature eliminates guesswork by adjusting personal heart rate zones based on a user's current physiological condition. It guides training at the right intensity, making every session more effective.

• Training Load: This feature within polarpersonaltrainer.com displays a color-coded graph of a user's cumulative training load, notifying a person when he or she has recovered enough for the next session, and accurately predicting training developments to prevent overtraining. This data also provides intelligence to modify training sessions as necessary.

• Running Index: The RCX3 calculates Running Index, which scores a run based on speed and distance data from the stride sensor or GPS and heart rate data. By recording Running Index over time, users can monitor progress. Improvement in Running Index means that running at a given pace requires less of an effort, or that pace is faster at a given level of exertion. Running Index also provides daily information on running performance level, which may vary from day to day.

• polarpersonaltrainer.com: This free online training diary provides users with a deeper analysis of their sessions and allows users to share sessions with friends and see their training load to help plan their next training sessions.  Users can also create complete endurance training programs for running and cycling, including warm-up, work and cool-down sessions. The training programs can be easily synched to the RCX3 via the DataLink data transfer unit.

The RCX3 training computer has a large user-configurable display which can show up to three rows of training data on one screen. With just a few button presses, the Sport Profiles can adjust the training computer's display settings to the sport being performed.  Four Sport Profiles come pre-loaded into the RCX3, including settings for two bikes which creates ease for cyclists when switching bikes.

The RCX3 comes with the comfortable WearLink^®+ transmitter W.I.N.D. which measures heart rate using propriety heart rate sensing and transmission technology of Polar, and seamlessly adapts to the user's body shape. The RCX3 is also available in three sets.

The GPS set comes with the extremely small G5 GPS sensor which measures highly accurate speed/pace and distance and allows users to see their route on a map at polarpersonaltrainer.com after the session. Rechargeable via micro USB for up to 20 hours of training, the G5 is light to wear with a GPS clip or in a pocket.

The run set is for those who want to improve running technique, and includes the s3+ stride sensor with a firm shoe attachment which guarantees highly accurate speed/pace and distance measurement. This small and lightweight sensor is shock and water resistant, handling even the most demanding runs. By monitoring running cadence and average stride length, the s3+ can help improve running technique.

The bike set guarantees the most precise cycling speed measurement with the CS speed sensor W.I.N.D. which measures current, average and maximum cycling speed.  By adding the CS cadence sensor W.I.N.D. users can also get their real time and average cadence of the entire cycling session and measure pedaling rate as revolutions per minute.

Product Sets Available:

RCX3 (MSRP $219.95, available later this month):

• RCX3 training computer
• WearLink^®+ transmitter W.I.N.D.
• Getting Started Guide

RCX3 Run (MSRP $309.95, available now):

• RCX3 training computer
• WearLink^®+ transmitter W.I.N.D.
• s3+ stride sensor
• DataLink data transfer unit
• Getting Started Guide

RCX3 Bike (MSRP $249.95, available later this month):

• RCX3 training computer
• WearLink^®+ transmitter W.I.N.D.
• CS speed sensor W.I.N.D.
• Universal Bike Mount
• Getting Started Guide

RCX3 GPS (MSRP $339.95, available now):

• RCX3 training computer
• WearLink^®+ transmitter W.I.N.D.
• G5 GPS sensor
• GPS clip
• DataLink data transfer unit
• Getting Started Guide

Note: All sensors can be purchased separately as accessories. The RCX3 is also compatible with the older G3 GPS sensor W.I.N.D. and the s3 stride sensor W.I.N.D.

Availability

The RCX3 will be available through authorized Polar USA retail and specialty shops as well as in select fitness facilities. Later in the summer it will also be available online.

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