Maximum heart rate and HIIT?

froeschli
froeschli Posts: 1,293 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
How to determine max heart rate, and what is reasonable?
According to the formula 220 - my age, the estimate would be 190.
But, today I decided to add some HIIT after my C25K run (w4d1) - I had 2k left to get home. First, I used a timer 15 sec sprint, 45 sec walk. After the first sprint, my HR was 200, after the second, it read 230. At that point I decided I better forget about the timer...
I ended up sprinting until I was winded, and walking until my HR was at 156 (about my average for running). My heart rate after the sprints turned out to be in the 190-200 range.
Does that sound reasonable, or should I try and keep it lower?
The highest heart rate I've measured was 239, but frankly, I didn't quite believe the HRM was working properly. I haven't measured my resting heart rate, when getting ready to go out, it's usually around 68.
I've read the max heart rate varies by person and activity...
Any opinions or input?

Replies

  • froeschli
    froeschli Posts: 1,293 Member
    Bump...
  • rileysowner
    rileysowner Posts: 8,378 Member
    Those are some pretty high numbers. Basically though, if you are at or near your maximum heart rate you would be feeling it. When your heart rate was that high, how strained were you. Did it feel like you were out of breath and your heart and breathing couldn't keep up? From the reading I have done the 220-age estimate has little scientific grounding as a way to figure out maximum heart rate.
  • froeschli
    froeschli Posts: 1,293 Member
    Yup, that's what I've read.
    To answer your question, after a full out sprint, at HR 200 I am very out of breath, difference at 230 - my head hurts in addition to needing lots of air. So that tells me it's too much.
    Anyhow, I am by no means thinking of maintaining those heart rates for any amount of time. Not like I could...
  • rileysowner
    rileysowner Posts: 8,378 Member
    Yup, that's what I've read.
    To answer your question, after a full out sprint, at HR 200 I am very out of breath, difference at 230 - my head hurts in addition to needing lots of air. So that tells me it's too much.
    Anyhow, I am by no means thinking of maintaining those heart rates for any amount of time. Not like I could...

    It sounds to me that you are approaching your MaxHR here. If your HRM lets you modify that you may want to up it on it to more accurately reflect your work levels.
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