Barry Keaveney

My use of my Polar is somewhat different: I walk to lose weight. My aim is to stay in the best 'fat-burning zone,' which is approx. 60-70% HRM. In this zone the body burns fat for energy the most. The difference is I just want to 'stay in the zone,' for an hour or so and sometimes that might mean taking it slow on a hill (because I'm 'in the zone,'), rather than trying to beat a clock. -- this has worked well for me, losing 60 pounds in three months by regular modest walks in the park (now, approx 3 miles -- but just one mile a day to get started), coupled with a very deliberate change in diet (South Beach and/or Mediterranean style). -- I had a lot of weight to lose and more to go (long story) and Polar a good motivator and monitor. Now I know I don't have to 'win the Olympics," to strain beyond my limits or push too hard -- I just got to get into a modest 60-70% HRM and keep it up for awhile; I like how this makes it a very doable lifest! yle for me now and gives me more energy, etc.