Cardio load represents the cumulative stress placed on the cardiovascular system resulting from physical activity. Its determination involves analyzing the duration and intensity of exercise, often expressed as a single, quantifiable metric. One common method utilizes heart rate data, where the duration spent in specific heart rate zones is weighted according to the intensity of each zone. For example, time spent in higher heart rate zones during a run contributes more significantly to the overall value than time spent in lower zones during a warm-up.
Quantifying cardiovascular strain is crucial for optimizing training regimens and preventing overtraining. By monitoring accumulated exertion, athletes and coaches can effectively manage fatigue, adjust training intensity and volume, and ultimately enhance performance. Historically, subjective measures like the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were employed. However, objective calculations offer greater precision, allowing for personalized training plans and a reduced risk of injury.
