Athletes using Polar heart rate monitors paired to their smart phone now get more than data tracking thanks to the overhauled Polar Beat app. The free app now includes smart coaching features based on heartrate data to determine fitness level and give real-time guidance to maximize training efforts.
Polar Beat app real-time, smart coaching features
The new ‘smart training’ functionality is limited to athletes who use Polar’s own Bluetooth LE heart rate monitors to communicate with a smart phone – like the optical Polar OH1 or the more traditional, but well-connected Polar H10. But for those that have one of these devices, the new version of the free Polar Beat app offers much more training guidance.
Athletes can us the app to run a simple five-minute Fitness Test to assess what kind of shape you are in, then use that to track how fitness progresses over time. A new EnergyPointer feature then gives you real-time feedback during exercise to see how your workout is impacting your overall fitness goals. Users can also now set Benefit Target goals in the app, and optionally have the app give you voice prompts on the go to help hit your targets.
A lot of the new training feature seem best optimized for running, like a new Running Index that tracks performance & efficiency over time, so they may be best used by cyclists for cross training. Don’t forget cyclocross is coming (seriously, it’s just a couple of months to go!)
The new Polar Beat app is available for free now for Android & iOS. Polar has also just added new colors to the arm & chest straps available for the $80/80€ OH1 & $90€ H10.
