I am 52 and just returned to the pool after a 26 year layoff (I didn't do any workout at all during that time). I have been back for about 4 months now and am swimming a mile 3 times a week. I usually do kicks and sprints afterwards.
My question is about heart rates. After finishing the mile swim my heart rate has been from 140-160. If I don't speed up the last 10 or so laps, it will be in the 140 range. If I pick up the pace it has been in the 160 range. It usually takes me about 22 minutes to do the mile.
I have been told that my heart rate is too high and I should slow down to bring it to about 110-120. I haven't experienced any problems that tells me they are right. Has anyone else experienced high heart rates for long term workouts or am I being mislead?
Originally posted by Jim Moriarty
I have been told that my heart rate is too high and I should slow down to bring it to about 110-120. I haven't experienced any problems that tells me they are right. Has anyone else experienced high heart rates for long term workouts or am I being mislead?
Who is telling you that? (Coach, fellow swimmer, person floating in the hot tub?)
Did they give a reason why they suggested a lower heart rate? If you follow the rule-of-thumb that your maximum heart rate is (220 - age), then 160 is probably pushing your upper limits. Then again, you are deliberately speeding up (at the end) to go anaerobic, right? 110-120 is right around what is normally considered the aerobic threshold (65-70% maximum heart rate) for land exercise.
I echo Courteous Swimmer. If you are doing 22 minute miles, in practice, I would loathe to suggest something different to you. :cool:
Originally posted by Jim Moriarty
I have been told that my heart rate is too high and I should slow down to bring it to about 110-120. I haven't experienced any problems that tells me they are right. Has anyone else experienced high heart rates for long term workouts or am I being mislead?
Who is telling you that? (Coach, fellow swimmer, person floating in the hot tub?)
Did they give a reason why they suggested a lower heart rate? If you follow the rule-of-thumb that your maximum heart rate is (220 - age), then 160 is probably pushing your upper limits. Then again, you are deliberately speeding up (at the end) to go anaerobic, right? 110-120 is right around what is normally considered the aerobic threshold (65-70% maximum heart rate) for land exercise.
I echo Courteous Swimmer. If you are doing 22 minute miles, in practice, I would loathe to suggest something different to you. :cool:
