Compare to other Polar models- click here

Note: This comparison chart will help you see the differences between Polar products. When finished, just close the window and return to our product page where you can order. Thank you.

• How to take care of your product

• How to use a chest transmitter

• Why use a heart rate monitor for cardiac rehab

• Why use a heart rate monitor

You may also wash it with mild soap and water solution under running water. Remember not to press any buttons.


• Do not store the unit in non-breathable material (i.e. plastic bag or damp gym bag).


• Do not operate the buttons whilst under water or when wet.


• Keep your unit out of extreme cold (below –10 º C/14 ºF) and heat (above 50 ºC/120 ºF)


If the Battery runs out -
• The first sign that the battery may be running down is when the display fades. This may become apparent when the digits fade when the back light is used (certain models).


• We recommend that you send your unit to the Polar Service. The rubber seal that ensures water resistance should be checked and the unit should be tested for water resistance every time it is opened.


• Service to your unit by yourself or an unauthorized service may damage your unit.


• Warranty does not cover damage or consequential damage caused by service not authorized by Polar.




Care of the Transmitter (IF APPLICABLE ) -
Proper care of the transmitter after use ensures longer service life for the transmitter.


• Wash the transmitter regularly after use. T31, T31C, T61 transmitters should be washed with a mild soap and water solution. Dry it carefully with a soft towel after washing.


• WearLink transmitter strap and connector should be rinsed with water. Never store the transmitter when it is wet, and store the strap and connector separately. Sweat and moisture can keep the electrodes wet and the transmitter activated, which shortens the battery life.


• Store your Polar product in a cool and dry place. Make sure that the electrodes do not contact anything damp, such as sport towel or wet elastic strap. Do not store a wet transmitter in any kind of non-breathing material, such as a plastic bag or a sports bag.


• Do not bend or stretch the transmitter. This may damage the electrodes.


• Readjust the elastic strap periodically so that the transmitter fits firmly around the chest.


• Only dry the transmitter with a towel. Hard-handed handling may damage the electrodes.


• Keep your Polar product out of extreme cold and heat. The operating temperature is -10 ºC to 50 ºC/ 14 ºF to 122 ºF. Do not expose the Polar prodcut to direct sunlight for extended periods, such as leaving it in a car.


• T31, T31C, T61 transmitters can be washed with mild soap and a gentle brush. If the electrodes appear discoloured, the transmitter needs to be washed. Do not use any alcohol or a solvent based detergent.


• WearLink strap and the elastic strap of the T31, T31C and T61 should be washed regularly in a washing machine at 40ºC/104ºF or at least after every fifth use. This ensures reliable measurement and maximizes the life span of the transmitter. Use a washing pouch. Do not soak, spin-dry, iron, dry clean or bleach the strap. Do not use detergent with bleach or fabric softener. Never put the transmitter connector in the washing machine or drier!
• If your T31, T31C or T61 transmitter does wear out, a new one is available at a special replacement cost. Polar recycles used transmitters. (Please note, that this does not apply to WearLink transmitters.)

To understand how a Heart Rate Monitor can help you, we established the
Polar 3 Point Message:

In order to reach your fitness goals, you need to walk at the right intensity.
Heart rate is the only accurate measurement of your intensity or your exertion level.
A Polar HRM is the easiest and most accurate way to continuously measure your heart rate.
We understand the issues you face when coming back from a medical situation. We work very closely with thousands of rehab clinicians across the country who use Polar HRMs to help get their patients moving again. It's important that you have the confidence to start again, and a Polar HRM can help you. By monitoring your heart rate while you exercise, you can ensure that you are not overdoing it. It's not about how you feel. We've received numerous letters from recovering patients who told us they felt great during a workout, but experienced an elevated heart rate. They alerted the nurse and in fact, they were actually at the beginning of an attack. If they had relied on how they felt rather than on their HRM, they may not have been around to write us the letter.

When you wear an HRM, your heart rate is continuously displayed on your wrist so you or your cardiac nurse can monitor it closely without being restricted at all. Outside the clinic, you can still take part in your rehab program doing the activities that you enjoy. Or you can wear it throughout the day just to feel safe accomplishing your daily routine. It can help you build the confidence to lead a normal life again.

If you're very new to the concept of an HRM, you might be wondering WHAT'S AN HRM. It consists of a watch worn on your wrist, and a transmitter that you comfortably wear against your skin and around your chest. The transmitter picks up the signals of your heart, and sends them wirelessly to the watch you wear on your wrist. It's that simple. No wires, no taking your pulse and doing a multiplication equation. Just look at your wrist and it's there. AND THE KEY, IT'S DISPLAYED CONTINUOUSLY. The continuous display is what makes it effective. It's there to guide you during your entire exercise.

Here's how it works.

There are specific Target Zones (TZ) that help to guide you to the right intensity. A TZ is a high and low heart rate range that is based on a % of your maximum heart rate. Using a formula based on your age, you can figure out your maximum heart rate. You then take %'s of that to get your Target Zones. Your doctor may actually give you a heart rate number to stay under or a range to stay within.

Key Target Zone

60-70% of max heart rate builds endurance

Example:

Lee is 55 years old and he is coming back from a heart attack. He walks for exercise three days a week, sometimes for 10 minutes, sometimes for 20 minutes and he's not sure how fast to walk.

*His estimated max heart rate is 220-(age) 55=165
The recommended target zone is 60-70 %
60% of 165=99
70% of 165=115

Lee should walk three days a week for at least 30 minutes and keep his heart rate between 99 and 115 for a safe and effective workout. IT'S THAT SIMPLE!

If your doctor gives you exact numbers to follow, you should follow his guidance.

A heart rate monitor is like a rev counter, giving a precise measurement of exercise intensity.
Training at your own ideal pace is made possible with a heart rate monitor.
Direct measurement of heart rate during exercise is the most accurate way to gauge performance.
Progress can be monitored and measured, increasing motivation.
It maximizes the benefits of exercise in a limited amount of time.
It introduces objective observation. Are you on the right track? Are you improving?
It is a tool for regulating frequency and intensity of workouts.
Because of the immediate feedback it provides, heart rate monitoring is an ideal training partner.
How does it work?
When you start training, your heart rate increases rapidly in proportion to the intensity of the training. In Polar Heart Rate Monitors, the transmitter belt detects the electrocardiogram (ECG - the electric signal originating from your heart) and sends an electromagnetic signal to the Polar wrist receiver where heart rate information appears.

The heart moves blood from the lungs (where the blood picks up oxygen) to the muscles (which burn the oxygen as fuel) and back to the lungs again. The harder the training, the more fuel the muscles need and the harder the heart has to work to pump oxygen-rich blood to the muscles.

As you get fitter, your heart is able to pump more blood with every beat. As a result, your heart doesn’t have to beat as often to get the needed oxygen to your muscles, decreasing resting heart rate and exercise heart rate on all exertion levels.