Understanding Exertion and Target Exertion

Athlytic provides an Exertion score to help you understand your cardiovascular load throughout the day. Along with this, it suggests a Target Exertion Zone based on your Recovery, offering guidance on safe and effective training levels.

What Is Exertion?

Exertion is measured on a 0-10 scale and is based on your:

✔️ 30-day average max heart rate (or a custom max HR if set in settings).

✔️ 60-day average resting heart rate.

✔️ Time spent above a heart rate threshold personalized to you.

This means Exertion accumulates as you spend more time in elevated heart rate zones, reflecting how much strain your body is under.

What Affects Exertion?

While Exertion is primarily a measure of cardiovascular load, it’s not only influenced by workouts.

✔️ Physical activity – Workouts, walking, and any movement that raises heart rate.

✔️ Stress – Mental or emotional stress can contribute to increased cardiovascular strain.

✔️ Alcohol – Can elevate heart rate and increase Exertion without physical activity.

✔️ Daily tasks – Even a busy workday or household chores can impact Exertion.

A long, stressful day can result in a higher Exertion score, even if you haven’t worked out.

What Is the Target Exertion Zone?

Athlytic suggests a Target Exertion Zone based on your Recovery score, helping guide your training intensity for the day.

Important Notes About Target Exertion

✔️ It’s a guideline, not a goal – Unlike Apple’s Move Goal, you don’t need to hit it every day.

✔️ Staying below is okay – Avoiding excessive Exertion is more important than worrying about being below the zone.

✔️ Your Training Goal affects the bottom of the Target Exertion Zone –

• A higher Training Goal (e.g., Peak Training) increases the lower limit.
• A lower Training Goal (e.g., Tapering) reduces the recommended range.

If none of these troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, consider reaching out to Athlytic support for further assistance.