It’s just another way of referencing your form.
When fitness is low (just starting or picking up after a longer break), better use absolute value. That’s because a % of a low number is a very low number. Any medium activity will immediately drive you in the Red zone when using %. With fitnes at 20, red zone would be at -6 in % mode but -30 in absolute mode.
If you are a very active athlete (fitness number over 150 for example), better use %. That’s because people used to a high workload can handle more load & fatigue. In this case Absolute values would drive you in the Red zone while percentage-wise you would be ok. In the example of fitness at 150, you could handle a form of -45 in % mode but only -30 in absolute mode.
It goes without saying that you need to evaluate yourself. Don’t just stare at the numbers but be honest and slow down when you feel fatigue, even if the numbers say the opposite!
In time, you will get a good idea of what load you can handle to get better. And you won’t get any better when exercising in a fatigued state even if the numbers say you do. So measure performance enhancements over a longer period and look at your fitness chart to get a grip on what state of fitness/form was most productive.
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