Polar FA20 Activity Computer

What would possess me to march briskly back and forth across my bathroom floor at 11 p.m. several times in the past few weeks? Answer: The Polar FA20 activity computer, and its digital readout saying I'd been active for 57 minutes that day. With a 60-minute gold star so close, I had to find a way to squeeze in those extra three minutes. So I'd march, toothbrush in hand, until I heard that happy little beep. Then the screen would announce: "Active day. Well done!" and I could go to bed happy.

Fitness does not have to mean a 5-mile daily run or a steady schedule of circuit training at the gym. Being active can also mean doing errands on foot, dancing with your kids, and even doing housework. Especially if you pay attention and make an effort, those can add up to your recommended daily hour of activity. (Yes, organized exercise is important too, but it's not often that we can dedicate 60 minutes to it every day.)

The Polar FA20 activity computer is a simpler alternative to pedometers and heart-rate monitors. It only took me a few minutes to plug in my age, weight, height, and training goals, then strap the lightweight watch to my wrist (no chest strap required). From then on, my every move was tracked. The Polar FA20 is best for walking, jogging, and other cardio workouts; when I did strength training or yoga classes, I didn't get credit for active time (bummer!).

With the press of just a few more buttons, I could set the FA20 to track training time (say, a run or a cardio class) specifically, to get more detailed information such as number of active steps and distance traveled. This info can also easily be uploaded to PolarPersonalTrainer for goal-setting and tracking, graphics, etc.

For me, the Polar FA20 was easier to use and more effective than a pedometer. Now if only it came in some cute colors!