"Cool" Studies for Athletes

Cooling during exercise has a positive effect on exercise performance and capacity. Keeping your body’s core temperature down while you exercise allows you to exert yourself more, for a longer period of time, before feeling the negative effects of heat from your internal body temperature.

The Study: Runners were tested while running for 90 minutes at a self-selected pace on a treadmill. First they were wearing no cooling neck collar, then a cooling neck collar and finally, a cooling neck collar that was refreshed every 30 minutes.

The Results: Athletes wearing just a cooling neck collar while running increased their performance by up to 7.3%.  After 90 minutes, the athletes wearing a cooling neck collar were performing at a higher level than those without any cooling. The athletes with a cooling neck collar ran further and their selected pace was higher at the end of the trials than those not wearing a neck collar. 

Deluxe Cooling Neck Wrap with Kool Max® Pack

Cooling the body helps with recovery after a workout or event (also known as "post-cooling")

BENEFITS OF POST-COOLING: 

• Slows nerve impulses 
• Constricts blood vessels which helps to treat pain and swelling 
• Speeds up heart rate which helps to clear waste products like lactic acid 
• Decreases recovery time for acute injuries 
• Reduces pain after intense activity or workouts 
• Increased energy

A 2003 study found that over the 15-minute post-exercise period during which cooling was applied to athletes, the Respiratory Exchange Ratios were lower in the athletes being cooled vs. the ones who weren’t cooled.

Conclusion: Athletes who were being cooled after exercise recovered their muscle’s oxidative capacity to regain energy faster than those who weren’t. 

Cool Comfort® Performance Vest, Neck Wrap and Polar Cooler 

Polar's Recommendation for Athletes: Our Cool Comfort® Performance Vest and Neck Wrap can be activated and then frozen prior to an athletic event. The frozen garments can be transported to the event in a Polar Cooler and put on immediately after activity for immediate full body cooling. 

Sources: 

1. Tyler, Christopher James and Sunderland, Caroline. “Neck Cooling and Running Performance in the Heat: Single versus Repeated Application.” 2011.
2. http://titintech.com/physical-effects-icing-workout/ 
3. Tenforde, Adam. “The Effects of Cooling Core Body Temperature on Overall Strength Gains and Post-Exercise Recovery.” 2003.

PRECOOL for Improved Athletic Performance

Precooling the body during warm-ups has become a popular method of combating the debilitating effects of heat-induced fatigue and to extend the period in which an individual can tolerate a heat-gaining environment. 

Polar's Kool Max® Zipper Front Vest with
patent-pending spinal cooling pack placement
is a great choice for cooling before athletic events!

WHY PRECOOL?

Cooling one’s body prior to a sporting event allows you to begin activity with a lower core body temperature and therefore extends the amount of time you are able to perform at a high level before your core temperature begins to increase and your performance begins to decrease.

THE RESEARCH

Interest in precooling prior to sporting activity has increased dramatically over the past few years, but is by no means a new concept. Researchers have been studying the effects of precooling a person’s body since the late 60’s, as shown in the table below.

The majority of the studies have concluded that cooling one’s body before activity improves performance. In a 2003 study, athletes who precooled before their 5k run on a treadmill decreased their times by up to 13 seconds.

Marino, F. E. “Methods, advantages and limitations of body cooling for exercise performance.” 2002.

Additional Recent Studies:

• “Precooling Methods and Their Effects on Athletic Performance.” Megan Ross, et al. 2013.  Provides a comprehensive review of different precooling strategies.
• “The effect of cooling prior to and during exercise on exercise performance and capacity in the heat: a meta-analysis.” Christopher James Tyler, et al. 2013. Focuses primarily on external cooling. 

Shop Polar's NEW Cool Comfort® Performance 

Line for Athletic Cooling!

Polar’s Cool Comfort® Performance line is constructed of a lightweight, antimicrobial, high-performance fabric with superior moisture-wicking characteristics. These vests and accessories are ideal for precooling, cooling during athletic cooling or post-cooling.

Cool Comfort® Performance Vest

Cool Comfort® Performance Half Vest

Cool Comfort® Performance Neck Wrap

Don't let the heat slow you down!

Many of us enjoy exercising outside on warm and sunny days, but it's important to remember that extreme heat (or overexerting yourself during hot days) can pose serious health risks. It is important to listen to your body during the heat! Heat exhaustion is a common reaction when the temperature goes up. It can cause dizziness, headaches, body stresses, fainting and cardiac problems.

The following are tips to heed to when preparing for an outdoor workout:

1) First (and most important!), don't forget to drink plenty of fluids well before your workout. Your body is about 60% water so plan accordingly. Drink before, during and after exercise.

Cool Comfort® Performance Half Vest

2) Dressing appropriately is also an important factor, so be sure to wear lightweight clothing so your body can release sweat. If you are exercising for more than an hour, be sure to change wet clothes to allow your body to continue to sweat naturally.

3) Avoid working out directly in the sun.

Take a hike in the woods,
and wear a cooling hat!

4) It's a good idea to take a 10 minute break for each 30 minutes of working out.  If you start to feel dizzy, have a headache, or experience muscle cramps, you should stop, rest, rehydrate and cool down.

Cool Comfort® Performance Vest

5) Cooling the body before, during and after exercise can help mitigate the dangers of overheating. Check out Polar's full line of Cool Comfort® cooling apparel for athletes, and learn more about pre-cooling, post-cooling and cooling after activity.

Improved performance can be an added benefit of pre-cooling!  Check out this article: "Exercising in the heat? Cool down for better performance"

Stay safe and be cool as you workout in the heat!

Polar Life Pod®

Did you know? Ice water immersion is the most effective way to quickly cool an overheated athlete. The Polar Life Pod® is a patent pending, portable, collapsible immersion system to facilitate the rapid cooling of athletes experiencing heat related illness, heat exhaustion, heat stress and heat stroke. Visit www.polarlifepod.com to see a graph showing the effectiveness of various cooling techniques.

Body Cooling + Athletic Performance

Cooling the body BEFORE, DURING and AFTER exercise can improve performance and help mitigate the dangers of overheating! 

HEAT IS THE ATHLETE’S ENEMY 

Athletes have always looked to gain any possible edge as they strive to run faster, jump higher and throw further. Outside heat as well as excessive core heat inside the body can reduce physical and mental performance.

Even King James can get overheated

THE BASICS OF HEAT FATIGUE 

As the body’s core temperature rises, the body’s performance begins to decrease. The body has a critical limit around 102-104° F (39-40° C) at which severe fatigue begins to set in. When the body reaches these temperatures you’re beginning to feel symptoms of heat stress or exhaustion. At temperatures beyond this you have entered the realm of heat stroke. 

COOL COMFORT® SPORTS KIT

COOLING BEFORE ACTIVITY (PRECOOLING)

Lowering the core temperature of the body prior to activity reduces the amount of energy the body needs to stay cool; therefore, the body has more energy for the exercise itself.

NEW! COOLFIT® PERFORMANCE HALF VEST

COOLING DURING ACTIVITY

Reduce the danger of heat stress with cooling garments! There are many options that are lightweight, fit snug to the body and target key arteries, making them ideal for wearing during running, cycling, practice and more.

NEW! COOLFIT® PERFORMANCE VEST

COOLING AFTER ACTIVITY (POST-COOLING)

Cooling garments help bring an athlete’s body temperature down quickly during recovery.

Learn more about body cooling and its effect on athletic performance this month as we share research studies, cool tips and product recommendations for pre-cooling, post-cooling and cooling during exercise. 

Stay tuned next week for the launch of COOLFIT®, our new line of performance vests and accessories for athletes!

Our Top 10 Coolest Products!

Curious as to which Polar cooling vest or accessories is the most popular? Now you'll have an answer! 

We crunched the numbers and we have found that these are the TOP TEN cooling garments that our customers have purchased and enjoyed over the past five years:

1. Zipper Front Vest with Kool Max® Packs (#KMVZ)

(always a classic - this vest has been a best-seller since 1984!)

2. Kool Max® Cooling Neck & Upper Spring Wrap (#KMNCEX)

3. Pair of Kool Max® Cooling Wrist Wraps (#KMW Pair)

4. Women's Fashion Vest with Kool Max® Packs (#KMFV)

5. Kool Max® Cooling Neck and Head Wrap (#KMNC)

6. Cool Comfort® Crown Cooler (#CCCC)

7. Pair of Cool58® Bra Coolers (#PCBC)

8. Poncho Vest with Kool Max® Packs (#KMV)

9. Cool Comfort® Neck Band (#CCNB)

10. Secrets Vest with Kool Max® Packs (#KMS)

Don't forget - we love seeing our products in action! 

Send us a selfie and share your story by uploading your pic to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and tagging #BePolarCool and #PolarProducts for a chance to be featured on our website!

We always appreciate your feedback! You can always e-mail polar@polarproducts.com.

Are You Up for It? The MS Fitness Challenge!

Polar Products is proud to introduce one of our newest partnerships in the battle against MS. 

Polar Products is the official cooling sponsor of the 

MS Fitness Challenge

The MS Fitness Challenge (MSFC) began with David and Kendra Lyons' desire to turn David's MS Bodybuilding Challenge into something more. The challenge was created to inspire others impacted by MS to stay strong - both emotionally and physically. Together, the Lyons invite others to help fight against MS through health and fitness.

Kendra and David Lyons, MS Fitness Challenge

The goal of the MS Fitness Challenge is to provide certified personal trainers to people with MS in order to educate them about the benefits of health and fitness training. Everything someone with MS would need to compete - trainers, supplements, supplies, support - is provided free from the non-profit.

Polar Products will be supplying cooling vests and accessories to David and the MS Fitness Challenge team for all of their cooling garment needs. 

"Polar Products is proud to partner with David and the MS Fitness Challenge. Our body cooling garments reduce the impact of MS heat-sensitivity and help people with multiple sclerosis stay active. Together with David and the MSFC, Polar hopes to continue to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis and improve the quality of life for people with MS heat-sensitivity." - Bill Graessle, President

Read our partner biography on the MSFC website here.

Polar Products offers a wide variety of cooling garments for Pre-Cooling, Cooling During Exercise and Post-Cooling. Our Cool Comfort® evaporative hybrid garments are especially helpful during workouts!

The Cool Comfort® Sports Kit from Polar Products

"MSFC implements the support people with MS need to stay as fit as possible, overcome limits and keep their bodies moving. Help us help those with MS to beat this disease through health & fitness and combat its devastating effects on the body." - MSFC Facebook page

Learn about the MS Fitness Challenge:

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

Bring out the Sunscreen, Bill's Heading to Florida

After visiting MSAA in New Jersey last week, Bill is traveling again this week - this time to sunny Florida! While we're sure he will get much accomplished while meeting with the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF) in Fort Lauderdale, we feel a little jealous here at the office - it's only 7° today here in Ohio!

Check out the MSF website for more information.

MSF is another wonderful non-profit with whom Polar Products works closely. They also have a great  cooling program to help provide cooling garments to people with MS who qualify for financial assistance.

Polar Products is proud to supply two high-quality kit options for the MSF Cooling Program:

1) The first option is the Polar Cool Comfort® Evaporative Kit. That kit includes a full vest, hat, necktie and wristbands that come in a blue or tan color.

The Cool Comfort Evaporative Kit from Polar Products

2) The second option is the Polar Fashion Vest Kit for Men or Women. This kit includes our best-selling fashion cooling vest and necktie that come in a black or tan color. The kit comes with your choice of our Kool Max® cooling packs or our Cool58® Phase Change cooling packs. (Click here to learn the difference.)

Men's Fashion Vest from Polar Products

Women's Fashion Vest from Polar Products

TO APPLY FOR THE COOLING PROGRAM:
Those interested in seeing if they qualify for the MSF Cooling Program 

may either print the application or apply online.

The Orange Campaign for MS Awareness

From now until the end of March, everyone is encouraged to join MSF to help raise awareness for multiple sclerosis by using the hashtags #Orange4MSF and #4MSF. Wear orange, post selfies with an orange and spread the word! Together with MSF, we can Paint the Internet Orange and continue to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis.

The Orange Campaign is on Facebook!

Social Media Manager Emily is #Orange4MSF

You can always stay updated with MSF via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and their blog!

COOL DOWN for a better workout!

According to a new study, using a combination of cooling techniques - like wearing a cooling vest - before or during exercise helps athletes perform better in the heat!

Before working out, the athletes in the study used cooling methods like wearing a cooling vest or cooling packs, immersing themselves in cold water, drinking cold water or an ice slurry, or a combination of several techniques.

The result? Using cooling techniques before or during exercise improved performance and combining the two worked best. Researchers found that the most effective method was wearing a cooling vest during exercise and a combination of all the techniques before exercise.

Polar's CoolFit® Kit
Ideal for pre-cooling and cooling during exercise!

“More blood will be available for oxygen transportation to the exercising muscles, which enables a better performance,” said Dr. Thijs M H Eijsvogels, of the physiology department at Radboud University Medical Center in The Netherlands. 

Cool Comfort® Hybrid Deluxe Sports Vest

How does body cooling help? 

Cooling methods may reduce the amount of energy the body needs to use to stay cool, so the body has more energy for the exercise itself. Exercise increases core body temperature, which can diminish performance. The study found that pre-cooling decreased peak core body temperatures from 102.4 degrees Fahrenheit to 100.6 degrees. 

Above: Kool Max Wrist Wraps and Kool Max® Ankle Wrap

Read the full article on Reuters:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/04/30/us-cooling-techniques-athletes-idUSKBN0DG1IH20140430

Find the study results at the British Journal of Sports Medicine:

http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2014/04/19/bjsports-2013-092928.abstract

Visit our website to see our full selection of cooling vests and accessories for athletes.

Polar's Best-selling Cooling Garments

It's been a very busy summer here at Polar!

Here are our top ten bestsellers in the summertime:

#10 -  "MS Awareness" Fashion Scarf

 20% of proceeds from this scarf, available in orange or blue paisley, benefit national MS non-profits!

 

"MS Awareness" Fashion Scarf

#9 - Kool Max® Zipper Front Vest Kit

Save money with cooling kits! Kits include a vest, neck wrap and pair of wrist wraps with an extra set of Kool Max® cooling packs for each item. 

Kool Max® Zipper Front Vest Kit

 

#8 -  Cool Comfort® Neck Band

These neck bands are hugely popular this summer. Simply soak in cool water to activate!

Cool Comfort® Neck Band

#7 - Kool Max® Poncho Vest

The Poncho vest has evolved since its introduction in the 1980's, and this one-size-fits-most is still a great choice!

Kool Max® Poncho Vest

 #6 - Cool58 Bra Coolers

Small and discreet, these packs simply tuck into a bra for a quick cool at 58 degrees Fahrenheit. Great for hot flashes!

 

Cool58 Bra Coolers

#5 - Kool Max® Fashion Vest

Introduced last year to great success, the Fashion vest is a discreet and comfortable way to stay cool!

Kool Max® Fashion Vest

 

#4 - Kool Max® Wrist Wraps

Target key arteries in the wrists for effective and lightweight cooling. Very popular for running and other exercise.

Kool Max® Wrist Wraps

#3 - Kool Max® Neck Wrap

This wrap can be used around the head or neck for targeted, comfortable cooling.  Available in Black or Khaki.

Kool Max® Neck Wrap

#2 - Kool Max® Neck and Upper Spine Wrap

A Polar Staff favorite! The additional cooling pack targets the upper spine for a higher level of cooling. 

Kool Max® Neck and Upper Spine Wrap

#1 - Kool Max® Zipper Front Vest

A year-round best-seller! This Kool Max® vest is ideal for most applications, from industrial workers to people with MS.  It adjusts for a custom fit. Kool Max® offers effective cooling in any climate.

Kool Max® Zipper Front Vest

Polar has Solutions for Cooling Every Body®! 

Call us at 1-800-763-8423 or visit www.polarproducts.com to place an order. If you have any questions, we're happy to help.

Have a great weekend!