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(More customer reviews)To gain confidence in the data from the Polar Activity Watch, I compared total active steps, time in different activity levels, and kcal expended with similar data for 4 different cadences on a Precor EFX524i elliptical exercise machine.
Data was recorded from the Precor at average cadences of 120, 130, 140, and 150 strides per minute, exercising for 30 minutes at each level (different days for each level) while wearing the Polar watch. All elliptical exercise was at the same resistance and incline setting. The Polar watch divides the activity zone data into 5 levels (slow walk, walk, brisk walk, run, and fast run). At an average of 120 strides per minute, the watch credited 6 minutes in the slow walk and 24 minutes in the walk range. For 130 strides per minutes, the activity levels from the watch were up to 11 minutes at the walk level and 18 minutes at the brisk walk level. At 140 strides per minute, all 30 minutes were recorded as a fast walk. At 150 strides per minute, 24 minutes total were recorded as a run. The progression suggests that the activity levels recorded by the watch do accurately reflect the increasing level of activity on the elliptical.
I next compared the total steps recorded by the Polar Activity Watch (which is an estimated number based on the accelerometer measurements) to the total strides on the elliptical (which should be an actual count). The tabulation combined data from the four 30 minute periods of exercise at the 4 difference cadences. The total strides for the Precor was 16,145 and the Polar total was 16,382. That is only a 1% difference!
The difference was greater for the kcal count: 950 and 1054 for the Polar and the elliptical respectively, resulting in a 10% difference. Neither the Polar Activity Watch nor the Precor elliptical data is a true measurement of kcal expended. They give an approximation to be compared with future activity. Still, the numbers for the two instruments are close.
Differences were greater for some measures and less for others when the same comparisons were applied to each of the 30 minute intervals separately rather than combining data from the 4 intervals (same principal as with batting averages, the season average tells more about the player than does knowing only the number of hits in a single game). A single 30 minute (or shorter) interval could be misleading as could looking at data for only a single cadence.
It would be incorrect to assume that other Polar Activity Watch users will have the same results (although most results will probably be similar). Parts of the data are based on height, weight, age and gender which are entered into the Polar Activity Watch. Because of manufacturing tolerances, each watch manufactured will give slightly different readings. Each user of the watch can do calculations similar to what was done here in order to appreciate how their watch compares with their favorite elliptical or treadmill. Just remember this data is with a natural arm swing (not holding on to safety railing and not using the upper body exercise poles that come with some elliptical machines). Perhaps someone else can report on using an elliptical with the upper body exercise poles or the results with a treadmill.
The Polar Activity Watch lends objectivity to daily activity and exercise measurements. It did accurately reflect the time spent on an elliptical exerciser. Recording of daily or weekly data totals should help with setting activity goals and weight management planning.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Polar FA20 Activity Computer (EA)
Whether you're hustling from meeting to meeting, attending classes, coaching little league, or just have an active personal life, the Polar AW200 Activity Watch will keep things running smooth. The watch, which boasts a sleek stainless-steel design, offers a host of on-the-go features, including a step counter, barometer/temperature readings, a calorie counter, and more. The step counter is a must for walkers and joggers: from the moment you press Start, the watch records your active steps and helps you track your activity level.
From strolling in the park to jogging with your dog, the AW200 measures your caloric burn for a more effective workout. The barometer/thermometer, meanwhile, is ideal when you're planning a Saturday morning hike and need to track the weather. Want to know whether rain is likely? Not a problem. Need to track how much elevation you've gained since the last stop? Turn to the built-in altimeter. Want to measure your intensity level and know when to take a break? One glance at your workout rate helps keep you on track without exhausting yourself. The AW200, which also handles all the traditional watch functions, is backed by a two-year warranty.
About Polar The first EKG accurate wireless heart rate monitor was invented by Polar back in 1977 as a training tool for the Finnish National Cross Country Ski Team. The concept of "intensity training" by heart rate swept the athletic world in the eighties. By the 1990s, individuals were looking to heart rate monitors not only for performance training needs, but also for achieving everyday fitness goals. Today, the same concept of heart rate training is being used by world-class athletes as well as everyday people trying to lose weight. Polar is the leading brand among consumers, coaches, and personal trainers worldwide and the company is committed to not only producing the best products, but also being the leading educator on the benefits of heart rate based exercise.
Click here for more information about Polar FA20 Activity Computer (EA)
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