The Why: It's a very stylish watch that has all kinds of interesting features including a built-in pedometer to help keep you on track for walking 10,000 active steps per day without a transmitter belt. Using the latest in activity technology, an altimeter helps measure active steps and active time to provide an effective calorie count. The Activity Watch is great for hiking, running, or simply walking around and doing your regular activities. If you find yourself too busy for exercise, just strap on the Activity Watch and leave the calculating to the watch.
The Health Bonus: According to a recent walking study conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan Health System and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, when you use a pedometer or a device that tells you how long you've walked or run, you are more active.
What We Liked Best: Polar finally came out with a great looking watch that has some cool features besides a heart rate monitor with a strap.
What We Liked Least: While the watch has no familiar chest strap (that you typically find with almost every Polar watch), it also doesn't have a heart rate monitor. Polar, what were you thinking? Can't you please come up with this style watch along with a strapless heart rate monitor like the Mio (www.miowatch.com/ )?
What It Replaces: Timex Ironman
The Price: $199.95
Other Offerings: This particular watch comes in only one style, but Polar offers many heart rate monitor / watches. See their offerings at http://www.polarusa.com/
Where to Buy:www.shoppolar.com/, http://www.paragonsports.com/, or you can go to the store finder at http://www.polarusa.com/findstore/stores_con.asp
Nutritional Information: Walking at 3.0 mph will burn about 231 calories per hour for a 155 pound person.
Ingredients: The Activity Watch's accelerometer specifically measures forward motion and allows for the precise measurement of everyday physical activities such as choosing the stairs versus the escalator or walking the dog. It then combines personalized information including height, weight and age to provide accurate and useful output throughout each active period. The Activity Watch also features a built-in altimeter and barometer to measure both altitude and weather conditions for a more informed experience.