A system for increasing the fitness level of a fitness enthusiast. The system includes a personalized set of intensity zones corresponding to increasing levels of exercise intensity. The personalization of the system is accomplished through the determination of a first and second anchor point based on changes in the rate of change of an individual's heart rate as exercise stress is increased. Values for a plurality of zones are determined based on at least one of said anchor points. Each zone corresponds to a multiplier that when factored in to the amount time spent in each zone by the individual, yields a total training load value for the individual as the individual exercises.
