The RCX5 allows you to download specific endurance training programs from polarpersonaltrainer.com which then allows you to analyze your training in detail, use the online training diary, customize endurance programs and then transfer them to your training computer. Also, with the Training Load Feature, you can see how well you have recovered and whether you are ready for your next training session.

The RCX5 also automatically adjusts your heart rate zones using ZoneOptimizer and gives your Heart Rate readings even under water. Another feature is the Race Pace function. This helps you control your speed to reach your target time.

The new Polar RCX5 RUN comes with S3+ stride sensor and the following are some of its running specific features:

Cadence – Running cadence measures how many times your either right or left foot hits the ground in one minute. Running cadence is measured as steps per minute. With this feature you can sharpen your cadence and make your ground contact time shorter. This will help you to find a balance between leg power and leg speed.

Stride Length - Stride length is the average length of one step, that is, the distance between your right and left foot contacting the ground. Runners adjust stride length to gather speed: stride length increases as speed increases. Yet one of the most common mistakes novice runners make is over-striding. The most efficient stride length is the natural one – the one that feels most comfortable.

Running Index - Running Index is based on heart rate and speed data measured during the run. It gives daily information about your performance level, both aerobic fitness and running economy. Improvement in running efficiency indicates improved economy of running performance.

Training Features:
Automatic lap recording - With this feature you can set your training computer to take laps based on preset distance, for example, every 1 km/mi.
Display zoom - Display zoom feature allows you to zoom in information on the display during training.

Graphical target zone indicator - This feature points out graphically on the display the zone you are in during a training session helping you to stay on the desired intensity zone.

HeartTouch – button-free operation of wrist unit. When HeartTouch is on, different training information during training can be accessed without pressing buttons, for instance, when gloves make pressing buttons difficult, by bringing your training computer close to your transmitter.

Interval trainer guided workouts – heart rate / pace / distance. Create interval guided workouts based on time, heart rate, speed/pace or distance guidance with up to three linked timers or distances and up to three target zones.

Sport Profiles - Sport Profiles provide true multisport support with a swift switch between different sports during training. This feature allows the training computer to modify all sport-specific settings and detect the needed sensors automatically, so you will not lose any time or training data. With just a few button presses, you can change from one sport to another, for example in triathlon.

ZoneLock - ZoneLock feature helps you to accumulate certain intensity. You can either lock a zone before a training session or during it by pressing a button when you are on the desired zone.

ZonePointer - ZonePointer is a visible and moving symbol on the training computer display indicating whether you are inside the pre-set target zone. This feature helps you to reach the desired intensity/pace/speed/cadence targets.