Get the latest tech news

Polar follows Garmin's lead as 'optional' subscriptions becomes the new normal

The era of subscription-free fitness smartwatches is probably coming to an end, and it's a damn shame.

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)Aside from the official video guides to show proper form for strength and mobility exercises, most of this program comes down to training load, guiding athletes to hit a pyramid of HR zones with a foundation of low-HR cardio paired with some high aerobic and a peak of hard anaerobic. That said, if Polar wants more people to subscribe, it could follow Garmin's lead and make the Fitness Program more generalized, adding AI, premium data graphs, and more. With brands like Garmin, Polar, Suunto, and COROS, athletes appreciated the subscription-free experience so much that they'd pay more than the market rate for one, knowing it'll last years without any hidden fees.

Get the Android app