Charge 3, Cardio fitness Score

[Judaskiss]

Hi. I want clarification please I have a Fitbit charge 3 I am 68 years old. Regarding the heart rate tile in my app regarding my cardio fitness score it fluctuates. It has been 44/48 today it’s 45/49. It’s says that’s excellent. What am I aiming for ? A lower or higher reading many thanks. Fran

Moderator edit: subject for clarity/label 

[WilsonFitbit]

Hello @Judaskiss. Welcome to the community forums!

Thank you very much for the information. I'd like to let you know that your cardio fitness score is determined by your resting heart rate, age, gender, weight, and other personal information. For best results, make sure your weight is correct in your Fitbit profile. Also, wear your tracker or watch to sleep for a better resting heart rate estimate. Your cardio fitness score will be shown as a range unless you use GPS for runs.

Your cardio fitness score will fall into 1 of 6 cardio fitness levels that range from poor to excellent. These levels are based on published data that help show how your cardio fitness score compares to others who are the same age range and sex (source).

For more information about Cardio Fitness Score, I recommend visiting the following link: What is my cardio fitness score?

Hope this helps. 

[Judaskiss]

Hi. Many thanks but I have read about all this as you suggested. My question is not difficult and yet no one can answer
It. I ask again my cardio fitness score reads 42/46 then after a week or two it’s 45/49. Both these readings are ‘excellent’. But my question is what does these readings mean as should I aim to lower these numbers or get them higher. None of your articles say this. Just ‘how to improve my fitness score’. So is it better at 42/46 or 45/49 and still ‘excellent’ Does it lower by being more active? Or rise? It’s no good to me seeing these numbers if I don’t understand what they imply. Can you answer that. Thank you. Fran

Sent from my iPhone

[WilsonFitbit · Accepted solution]

@Judaskiss Thanks for your reply.

I'm sorry for any inconvenience. As you know, your Cardio Score is based primarily upon your resting heart rate. So, this means that as long as your resting heart rate is lower, the better your score.

Currently, my resting heart rate is usually in the mid to upper 50s so I have a good score but my sister's resting heart rate was near 90 and that was apparently the cause of her poor score. 

So, if you're receiving a Cardio Score between 42/46 and 45/49 and considered Excellent range, it could indicate that it is well for your age. (As mentioned above), the lower your resting heart rate the better your score. 

In this case you have to keep an eye on your Resting Heart Rate. Resting heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute and typically, resting heart rate ranges from 60-100 bpm, but the rate can vary based on age and fitness level. 

Note that Heart rate varies from person to person and day-to-day. But if you notice discrepancies with your Resting Heart Rate and Cardio Score, it’s worth mentioning it to your doctor. 

Hope this explains your inquiry. 

[Judaskiss]

Dear whoever. You have been most helpful Thanks for the clarity of your response. Much much appreciated Fran

Sent from my iPhone

[WilsonFitbit]

@Judaskiss It's been a pleasure! 

Have a wonderful day!