TRIMP and TRIMPEXP: Understanding the Metrics

TRIMP (Training Impulse) and its variant, TRIMPEXP, are metrics used to quantify the intensity and overall impact of a workout. These numbers are widely recognized in sports science and endurance training for assessing how hard a workout is and its effect on fitness and fatigue.

What is TRIMPEXP?

Athlytic uses a variant of the traditional TRIMP calculation called TRIMPEXP. TRIMPEXP is somewhat similar to Athlytic's 'Effort' score, as it calculates how strenuous a workout was. It has been used in athletic training for a long time, and you can find various methods of calculation detailed online. Generally, TRIMPEXP takes into account factors like heart rate, workout duration, and exercise intensity. It helps athletes understand the cardiovascular strain of their workout.

How is TRIMPEXP Calculated?

TRIMPEXP is calculated as:

TRIMPEXP = Duration × exp(B × Heart Rate Ratio)

Where B is a coefficient that accounts for the exponential increase in stress at higher intensities (often around 1.92 for men and 1.67 for women).

Understanding the Gauge

In Athlytic, the number displayed on the right side of the gauge (e.g., 237) represents the highest possible TRIMPEXP for the specific workout duration. This allows users to understand the potential TRIMPEXP cap for their session.

Fitness and Fatigue Numbers

  •  Fitness Number: Indicates how the workout might increase your overall fitness, as shown in the Training Load chart within the Trends section. For example, a Fitness increase of 1 means a small but measurable improvement.
  •  Fatigue Number: Reflects how much strain this workout has put on your body. In the given example, a Fatigue increase of 7 suggests a significant impact, requiring adequate recovery.

Why TRIMP Matters

TRIMP and TRIMPEXP are essential for athletes and fitness enthusiasts because they provide a numerical value that correlates with physical exertion. Understanding these values can help in planning training routines, managing recovery, and preventing overtraining.

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