EXPANDING THE USE OF HEART RATE MONITORS INTO EVERYDAY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND EXERCISE: THE POLAR HEART RATE MONITOR STORY

CLIENT: POLAR USA

CATEGORY: Fitness/Sporting Goods Companies

BACKGROUND

Heart rate monitoring has long been a staple for high performance athletes in events such as cycling, triathlon competitions and marathon running. Polar USA is the market leader in heart rate manufacturing with over 70% of the world's market. Polar approached Rippe Lifestyle Institute for help in expanding the use of heart rate monitors to recreational athletes and fitness-conscious individuals who were unfamiliar with the product and its potential uses and benefits.

RLI'S RESPONSE

Dr. Rippe and RLI conducted a number of research projects demonstrating the benefits of heart rate monitoring for tennis players, aerobic dancers, walkers, individuals wishing to lose weight, and anxious individuals wishing to utilize a heart rate monitor as a biofeedback device for lowering anxiety.

Six major publications resulted from various RLI research publications. In addition, Dr. Rippe served as the major medical spokesman for Polar Heart Rate Monitors from 1993 through 1997. Dr. Rippe also wrote a book, Polar Fat Free and Fit Forever Program, based on a weight loss study performed at RLI that utilized Polar heart rate monitors.

RESULTS

During the time RLI was associated with Polar, sales of Polar Heart Rate Monitors to fitness conscious individuals dramatically increased and the total annual revenue of the company rose from $30 to $75 million.