New WEARLINK Fabric Transmitter Belt on New M-Series Model Heart Rate Monitors

July 15, 2003 --Polar Electro, the world’s leader in heart rate monitors (HRMs), has announced one of its biggest innovations ever – a heart rate monitor transmitter belt that is made of fabric. The new fabric transmitter belt, the WearLink, was designed for a contoured fit on any individual body shape. The WearLink is due out in stores in August, and is available only with Polar’s new M32 and M61 heart rate monitors.

The transmitter belt consists of two parts – the electrode strap and the center connector. The electrodes, which pick up the heart signals, are integrated right into the highly flexible strap, making it very comfortable to wear around the chest. The connector easily clips together with the strap. This integration of electronics and fabric is the latest in a long line of technology innovations from Polar.

“The Wearlink transmitter belt will open up heart rate monitoring to an even wider group of consumers,” said Corey Cornacchio, director of marketing for Polar Electro. “There are still some non-users that don’t want to wear anything around their chest, but have realized that transmitter-less units are just not accurate enough during exercise. Once they put the Wearlink on, they’ll realize that wearing a transmitter really isn’t an issue.”

The WearLink is water-resistant (up to 90 feet) and the strap is machine-washable. It also features a changeable battery feature. The strap is available in two sizes. At launch, the WearLink Transmitter Belt will be available only with the new M32 and M61 model heart rate monitors, although it is compatible with most of Polar’s heart rate monitors available on the market.

The new Polar M-series models, the M32 and M61, are designed for fitness enthusiasts looking for a personalized and comfortable fitness tool to maximize the effectiveness of their exercise sessions. They will replace the M21 and M52 models currently offered by Polar. With a suggested retail of $139.99, the M32 features exciting new silver color graphics. The M61, retailing for $169.99, sports a stylish new matte black case. Both are equipped with the Faster OwnZone feature, so exercisers can find their personal exercise zone faster than ever – in five minutes or less. Similar to the M21 and the M52, the M32 and the M61 will still feature:

• OwnCal, which will help users count calories burned and understand the efficiency of their workouts;
• Percentage of fat burned;
• OwnIndex (M61 only), which predicts the user’s VO2max, a common indicator of physical fitness level;
• “You and I,” which allows consumers to set personal settings for two individual users on one unit, so two people can share a heart rate monitor;
• Average heart rate;
• Exercise Reminder.