Michael Davidson

After moving home and settling into a more demanding job, I realized I had gotten off track. I had always played sports, but never had an exercise routine to stick to. With new responsibilities, sports disappeared and my couch beckoned. As a physician and person living with diabetes for >30 years, I thought I had plenty of motivation to stay fit, but it wasn't the case. My diabetes control suffered and I couldn't fit into my pants! The pressure, stress, and unhealthy lifestyle was taking a toll physically and mentally. I became increasing discouraged about where I was headed. After goading from my wife to "do something," I began using an elliptical. I was lost with regard to training intensity, time, and frequency. I was introduced to HR monitoring by my cousin, who was also on a quest to improve his health. The HR monitor showed me my I was in zone 3 much more than I wanted it to be. I read articles on the Polar website and changed my app! roach. I always assumed that if I didn't feel like I had been run over by a truck after a work-out, I hadn't really done anything. This is probably the reason that I never was regular about exercising, after a few days of going as hard as I could go, I couldn't keep it up. 2 years later, I am proud of the progress I’ve made. Polar HR monitoring and the community keep me motivated. I know where I should be during my work-outs and to tailor my work-outs to what my body is telling me. My diabetes is better controlled and my weight is at a much healthier level. I offer better guidance to my patients, based on evidence not opinion. I’ve also rediscovered sports that I hadn't played in years. In June, I rode in the American Diabetes Association's cycling fundraiser, The Tour de Cure. Training for this event, I realized how much fun cycling is. I was able to raise $4000 for diabetes and already signed up for the 2012 Tour de Cure! I will continue my training guided by my FT40 and being encouraged and motivated by the Polar community!