Heart rate during interval workouts

[Maria Cox]

Hi, I've just started working out with Workout Muse. I'm 50, very unfit and today when I was doing Beginner workout B I noticed that my heart rate goes up to 170 within about 15 seconds of starting my recovery periods and only drops down to about 140 in the last few seconds of the recovery period. I'm using a stationary cycle and my work intervals are only on the 2nd resistance level. Is this a problem? I feel moderately puffed during the workout but afterwards I had to lie down for 20 minutes.

Maria

[BJ Gaddour]

Hey Maria,

Is the heart rate reading from putting your hands on the bike?

If so, these machines can be very inaccurate. Your heart rate should also remain between 120 and 140 on the recovery periods.

Your heart rate will get pretty high during these intervals, that's what the intensity will do. As long as you feel you are working hard without feeling totally overwhelmed, you are doing the right stuff.

I never use heart rate monitors, I think they are very inaccurate and pointless for people not training for professional marathons.

let me know on this and keep up the great work bud ;)

BJ

[Maria Cox]

Thanks BJ

I'm using a Polar heart rate monitor with a chest strap. It's good to know that what I'm doing is OK. Thanks for the great product. I've tried to do intervals before but found the timings impossible.

Maria

BJ Gaddour said:

Hey Maria,

Is the heart rate reading from putting your hands on the bike?

If so, these machines can be very inaccurate. Your heart rate should also remain between 120 and 140 on the recovery periods.

Your heart rate will get pretty high during these intervals, that's what the intensity will do. As long as you feel you are working hard without feeling totally overwhelmed, you are doing the right stuff.

I never use heart rate monitors, I think they are very inaccurate and pointless for people not training for professional marathons.

let me know on this and keep up the great work bud ;)

BJ