Suunto T3 User Manual page 20

Please note the difference between training zone (temporary training intensity) and Training Effect
(total load of a workout). In zone training, you try to keep your heart rate at a certain level
throughout the whole workout, whereas for Training Effect it is enough just to reach the desired
TE value once during the workout.
Measured TE Description
1.0 - 1.9 Minor TE
2.0 - 2.9 Maintaining TE
3.0 - 3.9 Improving TE
4.0 - 4.9 Highly improving TE
5.0 Over-reaching TE
When monitoring your Training Effect, you no longer need to stay within pre-defined heart rate
zones because the TE shows the actual result of the workout regardless of what your exact heart
rate is. This gives you freedom from the zone alarms while still reaching the desired result.
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Result of the workout
Enhances recovery (short workout) or develops base endurance
(over 1 hour session). Ideal for fat burning. Does not improve
maximal performance.
Maintains aerobic fitness. Builds base for harder training in the
future. Does little to improve maximal performance.
Improves aerobic fitness if repeated 2–4 times a week. No
special recovery requirements.
Rapidly improves aerobic fitness if repeated 1–2 times a week.
A few easier exercise sessions (TE 1–2) needed for recovery.
Dramatic increase in aerobic fitness if adequate recovery is al-
lowed afterwards. High demand for recovery. Increased risk of
overtraining if repeated too often.