Cardio load range still low after resting

[Ptricky780]

A few days ago my cardio load range was 153 to 174 so I worked out hard and wound up exceeding it by 11. The next day my load range was 42 to 62 and I got up to 44. The day after that (yesterday) my load range dropped to 1 to 36 and the meter said I was at risk of overtraining, so I rescheduled my workout and took it easy. I wound up with a load score of just 4. I got a good night's rest (sleep score: 89) and expected that my load range would go back up but it hasn't and the meter shows that I'm even more at risk of overtraining. Any ideas what's going on here? Should I just ignore it? I was planning on playing basketball and doing a strength training class later today. 

[RiekoC]

Hello @Ptricky780 

This page explains how the Cardio Target Load is calculated (<-- click link). My apologies if you've already reviewed this information.

Out of curiosity, what was your Daily Readiness score on the days that you got a lower target range? I've noticed that my target range will be on the lower side if my Daily Readiness score was on the lower end.

What did you decide to do about your planned activities yesterday? I would have suggested proceeding with your plans. The Cardio Target Load range is a suggestion (see the answer to Why is target load important on the linked page). I don't think you'll experience any significant health problems if you don't meet the range for a day or so. At least, that's been my experience.

[Ptricky780]

Thanks for your response! @RiekoC 

I've read that article about how cardio load is calculated. On the days I got the lower target range, my readiness was 56, 56 and 68.

I decided to do the planned activities. I hit a 156 cardio load. For the 3 days since, it's said I'm overtraining with the meter pinned to the far right and a load range of 1 to 35. At the same time readiness has been high (yesterday 78 and today 68). I guess it's saying my body is ready to do a small amount of activity? I don't know. I haven't done anything except walk since the Friday activities, netting a cardio load score of 10 and 8. 

[RiekoC]

Hello @Ptricky780 

Thanks for sharing the additional info.

The way I interpret it, your high readiness score means your body has recovered well from your previous days activities. However, the Cardio Load algorithm is giving you a lower target range based on your fitness goal (maintain/improve) and your previous days of activities. I agree it seems to be saying your body is ready for a small amount of activity.

How long have you been using/getting Cardio Load? If it hasn't been for very long, it could be that the algorithm is still adjusting. Is your goal set to Maintain or Improve?

I've had Cardio Load since it was released for the Pixel Watch 3, which has been for several months now. Initially, I had low target ranges. Eventually, the algorithm got enough data and now my ranges are more reasonable. 

[Ptricky780]

Hi @RiekoC 

Today it still says I'm overtraining but the meter is not pegged all the way to the right anymore. Perhaps one more day of recovery. 

I started using cardio load in early December but didn't pay too much attention to it until more recently. Last month I was on vacation and then had the flu so I didn't work out nearly as much so maybe that's affecting it. I have the pixel watch 3 as well. 

[RiekoC]

Hello @Ptricky780 

Thanks for the additional info. 

Since you only started getting Cardio Load in December, that's only at least a month's worth of data for the Cardio Load algorithm. Plus, since you were not working out as much last month, that would have affected the Cardio Load algorithm.

I expect that as you continue back to your normal workout routine, you'll see the target range & your Cardio Load line graph settle in. Now that your dot isn't all the way to the right in Over training, it should continue to move towards Improve or Maintain, based on your fitness goal.

BTW, I moved the thread from the Charge 6 product help forum to the Android platform forum since you mentioned you are using the Pixel Watch 3.