How to reach the cardio load target?

[WendelPost]

How can you meet your cardio load if it requires a range of 210 to 240 or more? I find that unrealistically high. How do others see that? And what are ways to reach that 210 or 240 if you don't want to spend hours exercising?

I have set my goal on improving my fitness. I now have a one month period over which i get a target for my cardio load. And follow that fairly consistently. The print screen is from last week. Nevertheless on Saturday I get the message that I am at risk of undertraining. With a target of at least 155 minutes. I tried to meet that with a walk can an hour and a half (heart rate slightly elevated, just above limit of moderate for over 40 minutes). That was insufficient to meet the lower limit of the target. It added 26 to the cardio load of that day. So today the range is even higher...

I'll try brisk brisk walking today.

[leoschimmel]

:white_heavy_check_mark: Include higher-intensity workouts: Shorter, higher-intensity sessions (like interval runs, HIIT, or tempo runs) can add significantly more to your cardio load in less time. Even a 30-minute session with heart rate consistently in Zone 3 or 4 can give you 60–80 load points. :white_heavy_check_mark: Stack your training: You can split sessions—30–45 mins in the morning and another 30 mins later. It adds up without feeling like a marathon. :white_heavy_check_mark: Cross-train: Consider cycling, rowing, or swimming. As long as your heart rate is in the right zone, these activities contribute to your cardio load and help avoid burnout. :white_heavy_check_mark: Recovery days with purpose: A brisk walk or easy run might not add much unless your heart rate stays elevated. Try walking hills or adding light jog intervals.

[sunburntcanuck]

I can get 220 in the summer by mowing an acre lawn with my 30 lb weighted vest on, since I live in the mountains and the property is a slope but otherwise, I ignore these really high goals and just try to be consistent and listen to my body.

[LindaMtl]

I’m in the same boat, though younger (69 years). I’ve been monitoring cardio load since January and have come to the conclusion it’s for athletes. I now ignore it most days. I focus on meeting/exceeding my daily zone minute goal and as long as my cardio health score remains « excellent for my age », I know I’m good. Sounds like you are too.

[TLeafTO]

Cardio load is a joke. I've researched it and many people have this problem. I go for a 30 minute brisk walk where I'm breathing heavily and I get zero points. I finally went and deleted my cardio load data and it reset the target to zero. I'll see how it behaves over the next few days but I really am losing faith in my Fitbit tracker. Actually it's been prompting me to work out so hard I think it might be detrimental to my health

[DonnaDaffy]

Thank you for your post. I feel vindicated!