Training & Nutrition - What's my max HR?

Alternate titles for this thread could be:
"How accurate does my HRM need to be?" or
"Should I trust my HRM?"

I have a Cateye HRM that I bought used for something like $12 on ebay. Here's (http://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/284) a link if you want to know exactly what it is.

So I'm trying to figure out what my max HR is, so I can set up HR zones. Up to this point I haven't really used the HRM for specific HR based training of any type, just monitoring my exertion and as a general guideline. But I'm not sure how much to trust my HRM. I've seen 201bpm probably about 4 times in the last several months I've been using it. One time I saw a spike of 204bpm, and one time I saw a spike of 209bpm. Are these isolated readings my true MHR or are they just unreliable "outliers"? What would you say my max HR is based on this info?

How often should the HR on an HRM refresh, and how much should the reading vary? Mine refreshes maybe every 1.5-2 seconds, and its reading sometime jumps around by as much as 4 or 5 bpm.

Mac

Thanks,

Mac

I can say 209 is not impossible if you are between 15 and 25 years old

so your true max will be, reach 209 climbing a steep hill, then keep going until
you pass out. have someone record your heart rate. it'll probably be 215

my max of all max was 211 when I passed out, age 23, chasing up a hill


you will pass out before you die so go nuts. be in shape first and no krispy cremes
or crullers 2 days before trying

Alternate titles for this thread could be:
"How accurate does my HRM need to be?" or
"Should I trust my HRM?"

I have a Cateye HRM that I bought used for something like $12 on ebay. Here's (http://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/284) a link if you want to know exactly what it is.

So I'm trying to figure out what my max HR is, so I can set up HR zones. Up to this point I haven't really used the HRM for specific HR based training of any type, just monitoring my exertion and as a general guideline. But I'm not sure how much to trust my HRM. I've seen 201bpm probably about 4 times in the last several months I've been using it. One time I saw a spike of 204bpm, and one time I saw a spike of 209bpm. Are these isolated readings my true MHR or are they just unreliable "outliers"? What would you say my max HR is based on this info?

How often should the HR on an HRM refresh, and how much should the reading vary? Mine refreshes maybe every 1.5-2 seconds, and its reading sometime jumps around by as much as 4 or 5 bpm.

Mac

Thanks,

Mac


Pick an HR training system (any is better than making up your own with limited knowledge) and use the testing, zones and training techniques designed for those zones from that system. I would emphasize the TESTING. – TF

So I'm trying to figure out what my max HR is, so I can set up HR zones.

Come over to Indiana. I found a 1-2mile stretch of road with 8 unchained (no fences) Pit Bulls spaced out evenly across the 1-2 miles. That's where I found my HR Max and I am sure you will too. If you don't have a long solid sprint, I'd suggest bringing an ID card, insurance papers or simply whatever the biggest gun you have is. Also will guarantee you will never forget that ride.

That is a good test!!!

I have had many "false" reads from my heart rate monitor on my metal rower. It has to do with magnetic interference, I think. You can calculate your expected heart rate at 220-your age. I suggest you compare your HRM rate with an old fashioned "wrist pulse" test.

I expect you will find that you have a false "double" read.

1. The 220 minus age formula is worthless. Don't use it, or any of the other similar formulas. The only way to get a good read is to test it by max effort(s).

2. I use hill repeats to find mine. A nice long warmup, some hard efforts to get blood pumping, then sprint up a couple of hills that are about 1 minute long, low gear out of saddle efforts. By the top of the 2nd one, I've usually hit max - if I'm fresh and motivated. You will see spots.

3. I've been training with HR since the 80's... and I don't think Max is all that useful a number. I mostly only care about threshold HR these days, and it's a lot easier to find that number. Just set up a time trial course, where you can pedal pretty much un-interrupted for at least 10 and preferably 20 minutes. Time trial it as fast as you can. Find the highest effort / HR you can hold steady. That's a reasonably close measure of your LT (threshold).

My zones are: easy. below LT. around/near LT. above LT. anaerobic. Simple.