zone minutes vs active minutes

[cherylm61]

Here are the things that I have noticed since my last post--previously, you walked 60 minutes=you got sixty minutes of activity. I think is what most of us are still looking for, right? Google changed the metrics and the verbage in the app.  Active minutes vs zone minutes--no longer are we getting credit for moving.  We now have to have a moderate or above heart rate to get one minute.  For example, for me, if my heart rate doesn't go above 94 bpm--I get zero minutes. 94 - 114 = moderate= 1 point. 115 and above gets 2 active minutes, It actually takes a lot for me to go above 94 bpm. Still wish someone from Google would actually have the stones to reply to the questions. I will definitely be researching other fitness trackers! Be well my friends!

[LZeeW]

@cherylm61   I hope I can help you.  First, here is a link to Fitbit's Help article What are Active Zone minutes or active minutes on my Fitbit device?  Second, I looked at your public profile and see that you are a long time Fitbit user.  Fitbits awarded active minutes when you joined and introduced active zone minutes in 2020.  All models now give active zone minutes.

Fitbit uses CDC and WHO recommendations for activity recommendations.  Both recommend a minimum of 150 minutes/week of moderate activity or 75 minutes/week of vigorous activity or a combination of the two.  Moderate activity includes brisk walking, riding a bike on level ground/low hills, doubles tennis, etc.  Vigorous activity includes running, riding a bike fast/on hills, singles tennis, etc.  (Source).  And yes, the heart rate thresholds to earn active zone minutes are higher than out-of-date active minutes.  You need to work harder to earn them.  The CDC source says you should be able to speak the words to a song, but not sing them.

Both Apple and Garmin seem to award intensity minutes in a similar moderate and vigorous activity breakdown.  They both give the same brisk walk example.

To be complete, Fitbit Product Experts aren't Google employees, just knowledgeable users.