Strain Common Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about Strain.
How does the Strain Score work?
Your Strain Score represents your total daily exertion, combining both:
Active Strain: From recorded workouts
Passive Strain: From everyday activity using background heart rate data
Even if you don’t log a workout, your daily movement still contributes to your Strain Score.
Strain is typically measured on a 0–100% scale, but it can go above 100% if you are consistently training at a high level.
Your score increases based on:
Exercise intensity: More time in higher heart rate zones = higher strain
Workout duration: Longer sessions increase strain
Strain increases logarithmically, meaning higher scores are progressively harder to reach.
Tracking your Strain over time can help you understand how your body responds to different types of activity. If your Strain is elevated without a workout, it may indicate physical stress, fatigue, or other factors.
Why does my Cardio Load say overtraining, but I haven’t hit my Target Strain?
Strain and Cardio Load measure different things:
Strain: Includes both cardio and strength (active + passive strain)
Cardio Load: Focuses only on cardio training using TRIMP
If Cardio Load shows Overtraining, it means:
Your recent cardio load (last 7 days) is too high relative to recovery
However, your Target Strain is based on a broader view (last ~14 days).
What should you do?
If you see this mismatch:
Reduce high-intensity cardio
Focus on lower-impact activities (e.g. walking)
Shift toward strength training if appropriate
This allows recovery without completely stopping activity.