This discussion has been locked.

You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

Are Firstbeat Metrics Useful for Non-runners and non-cyclists?

Former Member over 6 years ago

I just bought the Vivoactive 3 and Wahoo Tickr X a few days ago.

The reason why I chose the Vivoactive 3 is because:
1. I didn't realize the Forerunner/Fenix devices do all the same tracking as the vivo devices
2. I am not a runner or cyclist

Then I realized that they do all the same tracking and discovered the firstbeat metrics, which the vivoactive 3 has a few of.
These metrics interest me, and so I am considering taking the vivoactive back for a 645 or 935.

I tried searching for this information, but I am not finding anything specific to someone like me.
Are these metrics accurate/useful to someone who is neither a runner nor a cyclist?

Some info on what exactly I do:
Day 1 Full-body heavy strength training
Day 2 2000 m row on Concept 2 rower (HIIT style if I feel like I am not too fatigued from the strength training) + LISS on elliptical for 30-40 minutes
Day 3 1 hour of yoga
Day 4 Full-body volume strength workout
Day 5 Same as Day 2
Day 6 Same as Day 3

I don't have planned days off, I am old(ish) now at 41, so just listen to my body and take days off when I think I need them.
I also play tennis, though I haven't been lately as I am waiting for allergy shots to start working and reduce my allergy-based asthma that has come back after 30 years of no asthma.

I do like jogging for 2 to 3 miles or riding the bike when the weather is nice, and I might even start taking some interest in running after getting this watch, but I have zero interest in becoming a 'runner' or 'cyclist'. As I live in Dallas, which has long and hot summers, I am definitely not going to run outside during the summer except when playing tennis in the evening/at night.

Also, I noticed the 935 does not specifically have a yoga profile.
Do these profiles really matter? Could I create one for yoga that would be a proper profile?

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

I see. Thanks for that explanation.
My goals are not to just get big and strong. Actually, maybe another 5-10 pounds of LBM max.
I do care about getting stronger without getting bigger, but again, I am not interested in getting as strong as I possibly can.

Yeah, I guess I probably do care more about cardiovascular fitness. I just know that I won't ever become a runner that runs dozens of miles a week or a cyclist that bikes a hundred miles a week.
As I said, I play tennis. When I do play, I enjoy playing for 3-5 hours at a time. I also hate getting tired in a long rally and losing a point because of that.

No, I don't just care about numbers, that is the whole reason for this thread!

So, could you maybe provide some insight on how those metrics would be useful for a non-runner/cyclist?

0 Dr Phil over 6 years ago

If you want to play tennis for extended periods of time then you will need to develop your aerobic endurance and aerobic capacity. That means you will need to work out your specific training zones so that you can target specific areas of aerobic development. Develop aerobic endurance by developing a solid base in zone 2. Develop aerobic capacity by developing your ability to use a greater percentage of your available VO2 by working over and under LHT threshold/VO2max threshold.

Aerobic fitness, endurance, capacity are not just for runners and cyclists. Perhaps find a coach.