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Training in heart rate zone 1 is done at a very low intensity. The main training principle is that
performance improves when recovering after, and not only during training. Accelerate the recovery
process with very light intensity training.
Training in heart rate zone 2 is for endurance training, an essential part of any training program. Training
sessions in this zone are easy and aerobic. Long-duration training in this light zone results in effective
energy expenditure. Progress will require persistence.
Aerobic power is enhanced in heart rate zone 3. The training intensity is higher than in sport zones 1 and
2, but still mainly aerobic. Training in sport zone 3 may, for example, consist of intervals followed by
recovery. Training in this zone is especially effective for improving the efficiency of blood circulation in
the heart and skeletal muscles.
If your goal is to compete at top potential, you will have to train in heart rate zones 4 and 5. In these
zones, you exercise anaerobically in intervals of up to 10 minutes. The shorter the interval, the higher the
intensity. Sufficient recovery between intervals is very important. The training pattern in zones 4 and 5 is
designed to produce peak performance.
The Polar target heart rate zones can be personalized by using a laboratory measured HRmax value, or
by taking a field test to measure the value yourself. You can edit the heart rate zone limits separately on
each sport profile you have on your Polar account in the Polar Flow web service.
When training in a target heart rate zone, try to make use of the entire zone. The mid-zone is a good
target, but keeping your heart rate at that exact level all the time is not necessary. Heart rate gradually
adjusts to training intensity. For instance, when crossing from heart rate target zone 1 to 3, the
circulatory system and heart rate will adjust in 3-5 minutes.
Heart rate responds to training intensity depending on factors such as fitness and recovery levels, as well
as environmental factors. It is important to look out for subjective feelings of fatigue, and to adjust your
training program accordingly.
SPEED ZONES
With the speed/pace zones you can easily monitor speed or pace during your session, and adjust your
speed/pace to achieve the targeted training effect. The zones can be used to guide the efficiency of your
training during sessions, and help you mix up your training with different training intensities for optimal
effects.
SPEED ZONES SETTINGS
The speed zone settings can be adjusted in the Flow web service. There are five different zones, and zone
limits can be manually adjusted or you can use the default ones. They are sport specific, allowing you to
