High Activity Time
High Activity Time is the duration spent in vigorous-intensity physical activity during the day. Vigorous activity is typically defined as movement requiring substantial effort, producing rapid breathing and significantly elevated heart rate—activities at roughly >6 METs (metabolic equivalent of task). This includes running, vigorous cycling, high-intensity interval training, and similar demanding activities.
Typical Adult Ranges
minutesBased on population studies. Individual needs vary by age and health status.
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Key Takeaways
Represents duration of vigorous-intensity physical activity.
Captures time at high exertion levels requiring substantial effort.
Often concentrated on specific training days rather than daily.
Activity type affects detection accuracy.
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How It's Measured
Oura classifies activity intensity using accelerometer data to detect movement patterns characteristic of vigorous activity.
Common Influences
Exercise sessions: Dedicated workouts involving running, HIIT, or vigorous sports increase high activity time.
Deep Dive
High Activity Time represents the duration of intense physical exertion. It captures time spent at activity levels that substantially elevate physiological demand.
A useful framing is that high activity time measures vigorous effort. While light and moderate activities contribute to overall movement, vigorous activity represents the high end of the intensity spectrum—activities where conversation becomes difficult and exertion is clearly felt.
Vigorous-intensity activity produces significant cardiovascular and metabolic responses: heart rate approaches maximum, breathing becomes rapid, and energy expenditure per unit time is high. This intensity level provides efficient time-effectiveness for fitness benefits.
Research associates vigorous activity with favorable cardiovascular adaptations, improved aerobic capacity, and time-efficient health benefits. However, vigorous activity also requires adequate recovery and may not be appropriate or desirable daily.