Fitbit Cardio and Target Load rolling out to more watches, trackers

Fitbit introduced Cardio Load and Target Load with the Pixel Watch 3, and the metrics are now rolling out to the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2, as well as Fitbit smartwatches and trackers. 

Cardio Load “measures the strain on your cardiovascular system during exercise and daily activities.” This numerical score increases throughout the day. Besides tracking progress, Google suggests using the metric to avoid overtraining.

It considers not only the duration but also the intensity of your efforts, recognizing that higher-intensity exercise places greater demands on your heart. You receive more cardio load for longer and more strenuous activity based on your heart rate.

Meanwhile, Target Load is a suggested range for your daily Cardio Load that takes into account “fitness level, recent activity, and how recovered your body is.” Your first Target Load will appear after wearing your device for 7 days and nights.

This expansion was announced with the December 2024 Pixel Feature Drop and started rolling out on December 9. It follows Google making the updated Daily Readiness Score free in September. More Fitbit users have received their Cardio and Target Load in recent days with the following wearables:

On Pixel Watches, you can directly view Cardio/Target Load on your wrist (in Fitbit Today and through complications + Tiles). Everyone else can look for the new “Cardio load” card in the Android and iOS app under the “Activity” heading, or set it as their focus. Make sure you’re using the latest version of the app.

1. From the Today tab in the Fitbit app, tap the pencil icon.
2. Under Set your focus, swipe through the options and select Build cardio fitness.
3. Tap Save.

More information about the metrics can be found here.

More on Fitbit:

• Fitbit might come preloaded on your next Android phone
• Fitbit app gets foldable, tablet redesign on Android
• Fitbit app starts testing ‘Sleep Labs’ with daily journal, insights 
• Fitbit redesigns Weight stats page