Training & Nutrition - Heart Rate Questions - Polar 720i

Hi all,

Has anyone used the Polar 720i built-in fitness test to set their max HR? If so, how accurate did you find it? My Polar fitness test indicates a max HR of 174 and a measured Polar index (indicator of VO2 max according to Polar) of 55. I'm 37, 5'-9", 168 lbs and in reasonable shape. My resting HR is about 38-40 BPM when lying still.

I'm wondering if my Polar-predicted max HR of 174 is actually a bit low, perhaps influenced by my low resting HR? Although I haven't exceeded this max during running, I sometimes come close (97-98%) at which time I'm working pretty hard. If I remain in the 88-93% range, I can comfortably run for several miles. Biking at this threshold seems a little harder.

So, I'm wondering if I'm simply using a max HR that is set too low, or perhaps (wishful thinking here ;)) that my LT is actually increasing nearer my max HR...

Thanks,
Don

Hi,
just as a guess, it's low. Hop on an exercycle. A lot of gyms will let you workout once for free, if you're not currently a member. I am fortunate in that a local gym offers day passes. Anyway, start at Level 1, and every couple of minutes, go to a higher level. When you feel like you're dying, that is going to be pretty close to max HR. I would not try this on the road.

Do a search for the 2X20 Anaerobic Threshold Test I posted a while back in the Training and Nutrition Forum a little while back. It's a pretty accurate way to self test for your heart rate parameters. I wouldn't do the Polar test- it's still a generalization based on someone else's heart rates pre-programmed into your heart rate monitor. On the other hand, this test is done using your own exertion level and is specific to your rate of perceived exertion.

Koffee

My s210 has the same function. I forget what my predicted HR was, but it was off a fair bit. I think Koffee pretty much nailed it. It's basically an educated guess, based on general formulas, weighted somewhat by your data.

I can push my HR higher on the bike than I can running, but that may be partly because cycling is what I really work at. I'm guessing the number is low, too. Until I had a good handle on my max, I just used the highest number I'd acheived, and based on the fact that I felt like I still could have maybe pushed it higher, added a little to that. Ultimately, I exceeded that number by a beat or two.

Sounds like you're in good shape, so you probably are nudging your AT up toward your MHR. Which is all the more reason why it doesn't matter so much what your MHR is. Do Koffee's tests and base your training zones on your AT!

Thanks for the help and suggestions! :thumbup:

Don