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Classification of exercises as intense versus moderate.

What is the classification like in the title? From the type of exercise or the work of the heart?

The classification of the elliptical exerciser has definitely been changed and it is now moderate.

Why? Even in December it was classified as intensive. My heart is working with 150-160 beats and this is now considered by Garmin as moderate?

Something's wrong.

  • The activity type does not matter. Every minute is classified by heart rate. Check your zones.

  • Ok first thing, something MAJOR changed in how Intensity Minutes are determined, about 2-3 weeks ago. I was averaging about 800 IM per week, and then suddenly, I'm now averaging only about 140 IM per week, even though my number of activities and intensity have actually increased. Garmin changed the IM significantly somehow, but IDK what changed. (Yesterday I ran a 5k and then ran a 12% incline treadmill program to climb 300 feet at 4-5 mph, and it recorded a total of 0 IM for the day).

    The IM calculations are based on one of 2 settings found in your Device | Activity Tracking | Intensity Minutes screen in Connect app:

    1. Automatic - Garmin adjusts its own IM formula based on your RHR
    2. Heart Rate Zones - You have to set which HR zones will determine Moderate IM (1x) and Vigorous Intensity (2x). Typically you would set Zone 3 to Moderate and Zone 4 to Vigorous.
  • Thanks for the information. That clears up many things. It's a pity Garmin changed that. I don't know if it's for the better. With my lifestyle, I have tried to get those 168 minutes and have often been successful. Now I know that I will not be able to cope. Motivation drops, I barely reach 100.
    Garmin, why ... was that bad?

  • Even with correctly adjusted zones? My watch has a weekly goal of 150 intensity minutes per week, and I typically get around 1000.

  • I checked the zones, I have had the same for 2 years. I have zone 4 from 136 to 153, on the elliptical cross trainer I have an average heart rate of 147 and even one minute counted as intensive training. This has been the case since mid-December since the firmware update.

  • I see my watch is set up with "auto" on the intensity minute tracking. I didn't notice any difference after the December release.

  • Thanks for the info. I will change the setting from Auto to HR zones (4 is for intensive) and I see if it will be different.