Polar Loop Review + giveaway time!
Hi friends! Hope you’re enjoying the long weekend <3 We’re driving back to Tucson after a fun and crazy weekend of house hunting and Disneyland. I’ll be back with my normal(ish) posting in the morning!
In the meantime, how ’bout a giveaway??
(Bella, wishing the loop came in her size, even though 19 hours of the day are spent lounging in between sprinting)
[The remainder of this post is sponsored by Polar through a compensated campaign with Fitfluential. As always, all opinions are my own. I’m always happy to share the word about new fitness products, especially when they include a fun giveaway opportunity. Click through for the details and your chance to enter!]
Quite a while ago, I was contacted about reviewing a Polar Loop. I was really stoked because it was something I’d been wanting to try, and even more exciting because it included a giveaway opportunity. In the meantime, I had already ordered another fitness tracker that was on the way. For the purposes of this post, I’m not able to do a side by side comparison, but hopefully my feedback will help you make the best decision for your lifestyle. There are pros and cons to the various types out there; it’s really about determining the best model for your needs.
I didn’t really become intrigued with fitness trackers until I started teaching at the resort. A TON of guests would walk into class with their respective gadgets, and as a techie curious person (not capable, just curious haha) I was definitely interested in the various types. When I stopped teaching at the resort, I was looking for ways to gauge my activity since I spent a lot more time seated throughout the day. I quickly noticed that it can be extremely challenging to get in the daily recommended 10,000 steps, especially when you don’t live in a walking-friendly city. (This is even when you’re chasing around a very active toddler!) Fitness trackers are a nice reminder to add some bursts of activity throughout the day, and can also provide some insightful data about habits and patterns.
One thing that excited me the most about the Polar Loop is that it’s compatible with Polar heart rate straps. I’d been a heart rate monitor fans for many years -especially while I was pregnant- and I knew I’d love the ability to sync the tracker during my workouts. My other fitness tracker counted “steps” via arm movements, so even when I was working out (especially with yoga, spinning and strength training) I knew my previous tracker was inaccurate. I’d be waving my arm around on the spin bike to get in my steps for the day 😉 The Loop seems to be more accurate, especially for workouts.
The first thing that alarmed me about the Loop was the size.
Thankfully, the Pilot was able to snip and reattach it. After that, it fit like a charm. I plugged it into my computer to charge and downloaded the app on my computer and phone.
Some things I noticed after a week or so of wearing:
Cons:
-No alarm! If this had an alarm of some type, it would be my perfect fitness tracker.
-The size. Even after fitting the band to my wrist, it’s still pretty thick. The simple band isn’t too much of an eyesore, but I’d love a daintier band.
-Basic sleep data. I wish it provided more info on my sleep patterns throughout the night. It gives me the duration but that’s pretty much it.
Pros:
-Longer battery life. I was pleasantly surprised with how long the Loop lasted without needing to be charged.
-Display. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about it, but I LOVE being able to see steps, calories, time and activity right there on the wristband. For this reason, I didn’t drain the battery by synching it to my phone throughout the day.
-Heart rate monitor! I feel like this tracker is one of the most accurate versions if you’re going to be wearing it for everyday + workouts. It tells you your workout duration, time in the fat burning zone and fitness zone, and is extremely easy to use. It’s like the best of both worlds for heart rate monitors and fitness trackers. Also, because it’s a Polar brand, many cardio machines will sync and display your heart rate on the screen. Since it had been a while (since I was preg!) from the last time I’d used a HRM, I found that I was totally slacking on some of my workouts and could up the intensity. (cough, watching Downton Abbey on the spin bike, cough)
All in all, I’m really happy with the Loop. I’ll be wearing it from now on, especially on the days I work out.
Want to win one?
Here’s how to enter:
You have until Tuesday night (midnight EST) to enter! I’ll announce the lucky winner Wednesday, 2/19 in the am post.
xoxo
Gina
This post was sponsored by Polar Loop through a compensated campaign with Fitfluential. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting this blog and the companies that help support our family <3
Post Navigation:
Winter Shape Up Week 4 Workout + Reebok Zquick Giveaway → ← Disneyland and House Hunters v2.0934 Comments
Leave a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I have a polar hrm and this would be perfect! Each day i dance with my little one and try to do at least a quick 20 min workout, powerwalk… Not always easy…
By always making sure the pups get a little extra walk at night, it’s good for all of us!
I like to have spontaneous dance parties to make my baby laugh!
I park farther away and take the stairs when available.
I sit at the computer most of the day, so I’d love to try this out to remember to be more active!
I use my heart rate monitor at the gym but have NO idea how my activity stacks up outside the gym. This would be great.
I go for walks between classes. We always get a 10 minute break so I can fit in at least a 5 minute walk!
Walking to work and back!
I’ve been trying to get back on the fitness wagon ever since I’ve been sick. Hopefully this will help me decide which fitness tracker is the best for me! Thanks for your insights!
I always seek out the stairs instead of the elevator, and park a little further away than I want to. Every little bit counts!
I would love this! I need to be more aware and get in more steps per day.
I bike to and from work when there’s no snow on the ground
This could be the perfect tool to help me get back into shape after I have the baby! Love it! I try to squeeze in activity by bringing my son to the park. Chasing him burns way more calories than sitting the backyard!
I walk around while talking on the phone rather than sitting. It’s amazing how many steps you can get in! =)
I make sure we take a walk at some point during the day- outside when it is nice or around the mall when gross!
Neat! I’ve been debating which one to get and your reviews are really helpful 🙂
Oh and also, I opt whenever possible to run up and down the seven flights of stairs to my office instead of taking the elevator
I used to be so good at getting in enough activity throughout the day, but I’ve been seriously slacking. A tracker like this would be the perfect motivation!
I’ve used a fitbit for years, but I’m really curious to see how this compares. The fitbit definitely isn’t a scientific solution, but I reason that it’s at least consistent day to day in what it registers as activity versus not, so overall I’ve been happy with it.
Oh yess!! I’ve been wanting to try one of these so bad!
I get up extra early to get my workout in, and I try to talk a 20-35 min walk at lunch to get a good break, get that Vitamin D, and stretch my legs.
I work in a school so I am constantly running up and down stairs chasing kids to class, bringing them to the bathroom, and running out to buses. I would be so interested to see how many steps I get on an average day at work!
If I’m feeling like I haven’t moved enough, I’ll have an impromptu dance party with my toddler!
I’ve been wanting some type of gadget. Mainly to gage an accurate calorie burn.
I always take stairs at work!
I always take the stairs and lately I’ve been shoveling the never ending snow in New England
I would love to try this out. The fitbit also intrigues me but I love the display on this one.
I always try and park further away – unless there is ice!!
I use my HRM at the gym, but I’m curious to see how this works!
I’ve always wanted some sort of fitness tracker, but could never justify the cost. Thanks, again, for the excellent giveaway opportunity!
Love the Disneyland pics..I was there last weekend 🙂
I have been contemplating buying a tracker since I have a new job that requires more sitting at a desk all day. I would love to track my activity every day.
I am intrigued by the idea of these trackers.
I am sure being aware of how many..er..or lack of many, haha steps you take in a day would motivate a person to move more!
I always take the stairs and park at the end of parking lots!
Playing with my toddler keeps me VERY busy!!!
I have been so curious to try one of these fitness trackers. I love hearing more info on how they differ from the standard HRM. Great post Gina!
I park in the lot the furthest away from work to get a little extra walking in.
I think this Loop would be a great motivator…I know there are alt of people in the drawing. I how I win! I’m loving all the advice on Fitnessista! 🙂
I love the HRM I have but I am looking forward to trying out a bracelet like this!
I walk during lunch and I also spend a lot of time cleaning and on my feet as a part of my job.
I just try to sneak in some extra squats or abs when I have a chance…squats do work well during kitchen prep/cooking! 😉
I would love to try this. Seeing my daily activity would be great!!
I park far away and always use the stairs.
I would love to try this!!
Thanks for the chance to win one of these! To get more activity in, I’ve started walking to work at least one way (either to or from back to our place) and also try to get off the train early when I’m heading home if I do take public transit… Been tough with a cold winter but every time I get to work or get home from walking I feel great! Learning that more movement, even if it’s not intense like burpees or a run or weights, is important. 🙂
Computer worker-bee here needing some inspiration! Fingers crossed!
I would love to win this polar loop. I’m curious what my daily activity is!!!
Just getting back into working out after having a baby and this would really help!
I’ve been wanting a fitness tracker so much! I’m a college student so I walk everywhere, and I’m curious to see how it all adds up!
Would love one of these! Thanks for the giveaway!
I take the stairs at work.
I’m a teacher and I walk around my classroom as much as possible throughout the day. Keeps me active and the students are more productive too.
i try to always take the stairs…not the elevator! every little bit counts!