Polar RS400 Heart Rate Monitor User Manual


 
After the Test
How to Interpret Results
The wrist unit calculates five heart rate and heart rate variability based parameters. The OwnOptimizer
values are calculated by comparing your latest results to previous ones. The wrist unit will display a
written description of your training status. The descriptions are defined in detail below.
Good Recovery (1)
Your heart rate is lower than average. This indicates that you have recovered very well. You can
continue training, including intensive exercise sessions.
Normal State (2)
Your heart rate is at a normal level. Go on with your training; include both light and intensive training
sessions, and recovery days.
Training Effect (3)
Your heart rate is higher than average. You may have exercised intensively in the previous days. You
have two choices: 1) rest or train lightly for one or two days, or 2) continue intensive training for one or
two days and then recover well. Other sources of stress such as the beginning of a fever or an attack of
the flu can result in the same kind of response.
Steady State (4)
Your heart rate has continuously been at a normal level for a long time now. Effective training requires
both heavy training and good recovery, and this should cause variation in your heart rate results. Your
OwnOptimizer result indicates that you have not had very intensive training or good recovery for a
while. Perform the test again after a rest or light training day. If the recovery is effective, your result
should show Good recovery.
Stagnant State (5)
Your heart rate is still at a normal level, and this has continued for a long time. The result indicates
that your training has not been intensive enough to develop optimally. To improve your condition
effectively, you should now include more intense or longer exercise sessions in your program.
Hard Training (6)
Your heart rate has been higher than average several times. You may have trained hard on purpose.
The result indicates overloading, and you should try to recover well now. To monitor your recovery,
perform the test again after one or two resting or easy training days.
Overreaching (7)
Your OwnOptimizer result indicates that you have had a very intensive training period for several days
or weeks. Your heart rate has continuously remained at a high level. This seriously indicates that you
should have a complete recovery period. The longer you have trained intensively, the longer the
recovery period required to recover. Perform the test again after at least two days of recovery.
Sympathetic Overtraining (8)
Your OwnOptimizer result indicates that you have had a very intensive training period for several days
or weeks, and your recovery has not been sufficient. This has resulted in a state of overtraining. To
return to a normal training state, rest for a carefully monitored recovery period. Follow your recovery by
performing the OwnOptimizer Test 2–3 times a week.
Parasympathetic Overtraining (9)
Your heart rate has stayed at a low level, which is generally interpreted as a sign of a good recovery.
However, other parameters indicate parasympathetic overtraining. You may have trained with high
volumes for a long time, and recovery may not have been sufficient. Check for other signs of
overtraining, such as decreased performance, increased fatigue, mood disturbances, sleeping
problems, persistent muscle soreness, and/or a feeling of being burnt out or stale. You may also have
been subjected to other stresses.
In general, the development of parasympathetic overtraining requires a long history of heavy training
volumes. To recover from a state of parasympathetic overtraining, you have to recover body balance
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