Polar has introduced a subscription-based Fitness Program for its wearable users, offering personalized cardio training plans based on individual fitness goals, routine, and recovery data.
The Fitness Program is designed for individuals new to fitness or seeking a structured plan utilizing biometric data from their Polar watch. It generates a four-week plan incorporating heart rate, recovery, and sleep data to schedule cardio workouts and optional strength and mobility sessions into a user’s weekly fitness plan. Users can integrate their preferred activities and choose training and rest days, allowing for a tailored approach to their fitness routine.
The program is designed for long-term commitment, aiming to optimize users’ fitness routines for time and complexity. It automatically adapts to a person’s training load and recovery status, creating a personalized plan. This service effectively acts as a personal trainer, providing users with a tailored fitness plan without the need for manual planning. By leveraging data from the Polar watch, the Fitness Program streamlines the process of creating and following a fitness plan.
The Fitness Program is available for €10 and is currently accessible to Android users in all EU countries, Norway, and the UK. iOS users will have to wait until this summer to access the feature. However, there is no confirmed release date for the US market. The pricing strategy differs from Garmin’s similar paid training guidance plan, Active Intelligence, which costs $70 per year or $7 per month. Garmin’s plan has received criticism from its user base, with many users expressing discontent on the r/Garmin Reddit forum about paying for data and guidance that their smartwatches already collect.
Polar’s launch of the Fitness Program follows Garmin’s introduction of Active Intelligence, highlighting the growing trend of wearable companies offering personalized fitness planning services. By providing a more affordable option, Polar aims to attract users seeking a structured and adaptable fitness plan. The success of the Fitness Program could potentially influence the direction of the wearable fitness industry, as companies continue to innovate and expand their offerings.
