Hi, I’m using the following method to track my weekly conditioning volume and intensity:
During each conditioning workout, I wear a Polar chest-strap heart rate monitor. After the workout, I look at the Polar app and take note of how long the workout lasted and the workout’s caloric cost. I enter this info in an Excel sheet, which uses the following formula to tell me the MET value for that workout:
MET value = (cals/min) * 200 / 3.5 * body weight
From there, I log the MET minutes if the MET value is 3 or more (i.e., if it meets the definition of moderate or higher intensity). I strive to hit at least 500 MET mins., as prescribed.
For me, I like this approach because I don’t have to consult the compendium of MET values. On the other hand, I’m making a big assumption: that Polar’s calorie estimate is a good one.
What do you think? Does this strike you as a good way of tracking my conditioning?