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?
Parents
Former Member
I did see the doctor when I first began the workouts. He said everything was fine except cholesteral and said the excercise should help bring it down to normal. I never did any reading up on heart rate except the old 220- your age barometer and that comment about it being too high concerned me. Since everyone is different I was wondering if others out there had the same experience.
I do remeber in high school I used to get my heart rate up to 220-230 when doing 50 yd. kick board sprints. But I was a kid then and health concerns weren't what they are now.
Thanks to all for your replies.
I did see the doctor when I first began the workouts. He said everything was fine except cholesteral and said the excercise should help bring it down to normal. I never did any reading up on heart rate except the old 220- your age barometer and that comment about it being too high concerned me. Since everyone is different I was wondering if others out there had the same experience.
I do remeber in high school I used to get my heart rate up to 220-230 when doing 50 yd. kick board sprints. But I was a kid then and health concerns weren't what they are now.
Thanks to all for your replies.
