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Polar Integration

Polar is a leader in heart rate monitoring and sports technology, providing professional-grade training insights. Connect your Polar account to GymLive to share detailed training data, recovery metrics, and performance analytics with your coach.
Polar integration requires signing in with your Polar Flow account to authorize data sharing.

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What Data Can Be Synced?

Polar provides comprehensive training and recovery metrics:
  • Heart Rate Data: Beat-by-beat accuracy, HR zones, variability
  • Training Load: Cardio load, muscle load, perceived load
  • Recovery Status: Recovery Pro, Nightly Recharge
  • Running Performance: Running power, index, cadence
  • Sleep Plus: Stages, continuity, sleep score
  • Activity Tracking: Steps, calories, active time
  • Fitness Tests: VO2max, orthostatic test, fitness level
  • FuelWise: Smart fueling reminders during long workouts
  • Training Programs: Adaptive running and cycling programs

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Setup Instructions

1

Set Up Polar Flow

Ensure your Polar device syncs to Polar Flow:
  1. Download Polar Flow app if not installed
  2. Pair your Polar device via Bluetooth
  3. Create or sign into your Polar Flow account
  4. Sync your device to see recent activities
Polar devices must sync to Polar Flow before data can reach GymLive.
2

Connect Polar to GymLive

In the GymLive app:
  1. Navigate to Settings > Integrations
  2. Select Polar
  3. Tap Sign in with Polar
  4. You’ll be redirected to Polar Flow login
3

Authorize Access

On Polar’s authorization page:
  1. Enter your Polar Flow credentials
  2. Review the data access permissions
  3. Click Accept to grant GymLive access
  4. You’ll return to GymLive automatically
Use the same account that’s paired with your Polar device.
4

Verify Data Flow

After connection:
  1. GymLive shows “Connected” for Polar
  2. Recent activities begin syncing
  3. Historical data (30 days) syncs gradually
  4. New activities sync automatically after each session

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Understanding Polar Metrics

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Training Load Pro

Comprehensive load monitoring:

Cardio Load

Cardiovascular system strain based on HR data

Muscle Load

Mechanical load from power meters or running power

Perceived Load

Subjective effort rating (RPE)

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Recovery Pro

Daily recovery guidance based on:
  • Orthostatic test (HRV)
  • Training load balance
  • Recovery feedback
  • Cardio recovery test

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Nightly Recharge

Overnight recovery measurement:
  • ANS Charge: Autonomic nervous system recovery
  • Sleep Charge: Sleep quality and quantity
  • Recovery Status: Ready, compromised, or poor

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Device-Specific Features

Professional training devices:
  • Vantage V3: Premium multisport, maps, dual-frequency GPS
  • Vantage M3: Mid-range with essential pro features
  • Training Load Pro
  • Recovery Pro
  • Running/Cycling power
  • FuelWise smart fueling
  • Hill Splitter™

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Live Heart Rate Broadcasting

Polar devices can broadcast HR during workouts:

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Bluetooth Broadcasting

From Polar watches:
  1. Go to Settings > General settings
  2. Select HR broadcasting
  3. Turn ON
  4. In GymLive, connect to Polar device
  5. Real-time HR appears during workouts

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From H10/H9 Chest Straps

  1. Wet the electrode areas
  2. Wear the strap snugly
  3. It broadcasts automatically when worn
  4. Connect via GymLive’s live HR feature
Polar H10 can broadcast to multiple devices simultaneously using Bluetooth and ANT+.

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Training Programs

Polar’s adaptive programs that sync to GymLive:

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Running Program

  • 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon
  • Adapts based on your progress
  • Includes different training phases
  • Syncs scheduled workouts

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Season Planner

  • Periodized training planning
  • Create training phases
  • Set volume and intensity targets
  • Track progress against plan

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Troubleshooting

  1. Check Polar Flow first:
    • Open Polar Flow app
    • Verify activity appears there
    • If not, sync your device manually
  2. Force device sync:
    • Bring device close to phone
    • In Polar Flow, pull down to refresh
    • Wait for sync to complete
  3. Check web sync:
    • Log into flow.polar.com
    • Verify data appears online
    • If yes, refresh GymLive
Some metrics require:
  • Specific Polar devices (e.g., Recovery Pro needs Vantage)
  • Consistent use (Nightly Recharge needs 3+ nights)
  • Proper setup (orthostatic test for Recovery Pro)
  • Premium features enabled
Check Polar Flow for metric availability first
Polar tokens expire periodically:
  1. Go to Settings > Integrations in GymLive
  2. Select Polar
  3. Tap “Reconnect”
  4. Sign in again
  5. Re-authorize access
For live HR broadcasting:
  1. Ensure device firmware is updated
  2. Check battery level (low battery affects Bluetooth)
  3. Wet chest strap electrodes thoroughly
  4. Ensure strap is snug but comfortable
  5. Stay within 10m of receiving device

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Polar Tests & Assessments

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Fitness Test

VO2max estimation:
  1. Lie down relaxed for 5 minutes
  2. Polar measures HRV
  3. Calculates fitness level
  4. Results sync to GymLive

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Orthostatic Test

Recovery assessment:
  1. Perform upon waking
  2. Lie down 3 minutes
  3. Stand up for 3 minutes
  4. Provides recovery guidance

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Running Performance Test

Determine training zones:
  1. Progressive running test
  2. Provides VO2max, LTHR
  3. Updates training zones
  4. Coach sees updated zones

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Best Practices

Regular Syncing

Sync after every workout and each morning

Complete Tests

Perform fitness tests monthly for accurate zones

Wear Consistently

24/7 wear provides best recovery insights

Update Zones

Keep HR zones current based on test results

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Polar Flow Web Features

Additional insights available:
  • Detailed training analysis
  • Long-term progress graphs
  • Training diary with notes
  • Route analysis with maps
  • Export options for data
Your coach can guide you to share specific reports or analyses.

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Privacy & Security

  • OAuth 2.0 authentication
  • Data encrypted in transit
  • GymLive doesn’t store Polar passwords
  • Control data sharing in Polar settings
  • Revoke access anytime
  • GDPR compliant

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Tips for Accurate Data

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Heart Rate Accuracy

  • Wet chest strap electrodes
  • Position below chest muscles
  • Snug but comfortable fit
  • Clean strap regularly
  • Replace battery annually

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GPS Accuracy

  • Sync device before outdoor workouts
  • Wait for GPS fix before starting
  • Keep arm steady for best signal
  • Update A-GPS data weekly

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Polar Ecosystem

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Compatible Accessories

  • Stride sensors for treadmill accuracy
  • Bike sensors for indoor cycling
  • Power meters for cycling/running
  • Smart scales for weight tracking

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Polar Club

Group heart rate training:
  • Real-time class display
  • Effort zones for groups
  • Performance summaries
  • Syncs to individual accounts