Active Minutes

[OG45]

Is there a way I can look up what the maximum number of active minutes in a day should be?  
Is there a number of active minutes that means you are overworking your heart?  

[LZeeW]

Hello @OG45 and welcome to the Community.  Just a little clarification and explanation to help get you started.  The Charge 5, like all newer Fitbits, gives active zone minutes.  The CDC and WHO have minimum physical activity recommendations.  They recommend 150 minutes per week of moderate activity (Fitbit's fat burn zone) or 75 minutes per week of vigorous activity (Fitbit's cardio/peak zones) or a combination of the two.  This is why your default daily goal is 22 zone minutes and your weekly goal is 150 minutes.

Your maximum activity depends on your health and current exercise capacity.  It will be different for different people.

[OG45]

Ok.  I am an overweight boomer.  I just want to get in better shape.  The active minutes tally on my Fitbit regularly exceeds 150 daily.  I just wondered if that meant I am hyperactive (possible but doubtful) or if it meant my device is malfunctioning.  

[t.parker]

@OG45 active zone minutes depend only on your heart rate and zones. There are many things that could be involved:

- incorrect HR readings

- your zones are set incorrect

- you may be more active than you give yourself credit

See the HR chart when your HR reaches any HR zones. Think what you've been doing at that time. Don't compare yourself to others. It makes no sense. I do on average 150AZM daily but this is proper training and sometimes it's just easy one, other times all-out effort etc. AZM isn't an indicator of "overworking your heart". It's barely indicator of anything. It doesn't contain information about intensity or level of effort. Simply, start from analyzing your HR and put the readings into some context. If you're not in shape your HR may be just higher (which would be a normal thing). Then look at zones in the app. It may require bit of tweaking.

[OG45]

Thanks for this, and thanks LZEeeW.  
i’ll try to figure out how to compare what time I get the zone minutes to what I’m doing when. Casual recollection says the numbers are realistic though.  I weigh 227, height 5’6”.  Not in great shape for sure, but since I got the fit bit, and started using a calorie counter, I’ve lost 4 pounds over 2 weeks.  Still not in shape, but improving slightly.  The calorie counter takes exercise numbers from the Fitbit and adds to my ration for a day. I’ve been under my budget a couple hundred calories most days.  Given my shape and age, (mid 60s) logic says my heart works harder to do any given task than a more in shape, younger person’s would.

I get lots of ZM by walking the golf course carrying a full bag on my back.  I get more walking an average of 12000 steps daily.  I get more when I play Pickleball.  
My grandkids are both under 5 yrs old.  My reason for trying to get in better shape is knowing when they are 8-13 I want to be able to keep up with them.  I’ll be in my late 70s then.  
Today I have friends in their late 80s I play golf, pickle ball, and walk with that leave me in their dust.  I know it’s possible, and I really want to improve, but I don’t want to do more damage than good.  Some of my octogenarian friends have left me in their spiritual dust already too.  

you’ve given me good answers.  Thanks.