Garmin's training effect measurement

[lechatnoir]

Here's something I find peculiar... honked my bum around in the wind for 5hrs and 100km and got a training effect of 4 aerobic and 3 anaerobic... this morning, did a HIIT session for 35min, and got 3.1 and 3.2. 

 

Is HIIT really THAT much more effective at boosting fitness?

 

as always, answers on a postcard please

[Chingy182]

HIIT is effective/important to break into that next level of fitness.

 

If you were just doing the same ride/distance/time, etc over and over your fitness level would essentially plateau.

[MattBCR]

 

Is HIIT really THAT much more effective at boosting fitness?

Pretty much. The hauling around for a long time at mid to low intensity is good for comfort and enjoyment. But often have much lower training effect over time than a structured workout with some HIIT. 

 

Garmin, Strava, TrainingPeaks all have slightly different, but pretty helpful ways to show us where we're wasting our time if we're looking for improvement. 

 

The discrepancy does seem a little off though, you may want to check your FTP, and HR settings to be sure. 

[s14phoenix]

Sometimes it does not matter how much you rest or train or the type of training - your gains seem to go nowhere or backwards. No matter what an app says about training load or effect or the required amount of rest you will need.

 

There is however quality training and wasting time.

Edited March 26, 2019 by s14phoenix