The following three approaches for selecting a level of physical exertion are most widely used.

The first, hygienic, approach is based on the use of certain average load levels for groups of people of different sex, age, etc. This load level was chosen decades ago and is still used as a model. For example, the Japanese take the norm to be 10000 steps per day, whereas for Finns it is 500 km of skiing per season. However, such norms do not take into account the individual features of a person and a number of other factors, such as diet style. Such norms can be used only as a reference point.

The second, “health-improving”, approach is intended to achieve the maximum healing effect. But, like most definitions for “health”, this approach is not empirical enough and is of little use.

The most widely used approach is based on concrete physiological landmarks, such as pulse rate, blood pressure, blood composition, etc. It is assumed that the optimal values of these parameters during/after training indicate the optimal load. The problem is that it is very difficult to determine in what degree the selected landmarks correspond to the needs and capacities of the body. When using this method we are yet again confronted with insufficient attention to the person's individuality. For example, for some people the normal pulse rate is 65 heartbeats per minute, whereas for others, it is 85 heartbeats or more. In addition, all people react to physical loads differently. This is why recommendations related to physical loads are often being reconsidered. Thus, Kenneth Cooper, the well-known specialist on the influence of physical exertion on health, wrote in his 1987 book The Aerobics Program for Total Well-Being: “if you run more than 5 kilometers 5 times a week, you will reach anything but health”, while in 1979 K. Cooper advocated the principle “the more—the better”. Of course, the use of this method has made training sessions a lot easier and safer. However, it is not possible to achieve the maximum health-improving effect in this way.

Presently, the only method for the optimal load selection is the evaluation of the functional body-state. Physical loads planning with the help of the ORTO Expert complex makes it possible to take into consideration individual body characteristics and achieve maximum health effect. The body-state analysis allows loads determination taking into account the deterioration or improvement of the body's capabilities. This is the shortest way to improve health and achieve psychological and emotional comfort.