Maximum Heart Rate

[Dhananjay_FB]

I have observed that when I do high intensity work outs, my heart rate reaches to as high as 172. This figure is consistent . I have seen this in couple of exercise schedules, that if my intensity of workouts is high, it reaches this figure of 172. Never exceeds that. Irrespective of my continuation of exercise at that figure. My intensity automatically reduces at that figure and HR remains at 172.

Is it my Max HR? Do I need to reduce my intensity of exercise? My age is 58.

[t.parker · Accepted solution]

Considering that the reading is correct, it's nothing uncommon. It may be your max HR (or may not, it depends). Some people back out seeing higher HR and never get to an all-out intensity which otherwise could elevate HR even higher. If you feel like this is the all-out effort for you then there is a chance it is your max HR. Without testing it (ideally with a chest strap, not the wristwatch) it's difficult to say.  At 41, my recently detected max HR is 190. I usually do all-out running intervals which detect my max HR and update it regularly.

[Dhananjay_FB]

Thanks a lot!!

[Dhananjay_FB]

Thank you for your reply. I shall keep noting and recording max HR.  

[t.parker]

@Dhananjay_FB you may want to update your max HR in the Fitbit app so it will adjust your HR zones accordingly.

[Dhananjay_FB]

Thank a lot for the suggestion and I am sure it will help me. But I am not sure about How to update this? I have checked my mobile app but could not find the procedure to do this.

[Dhananjay_FB]

Later, I could figure out how to change and set custom Max Heart Rate in the app setting. Thanks a lot for this useful suggestions!!

[DaventryDerk]

I tried a test to assess maximum heart rate yesterday after a 1 mile gentle jog warmup I did six intervals of two minutes running as hard as I could followed by one minute walking rest. My heart rate was all over the place for the different intervals ranging from about 135 up to 180 (I’m 61 years old). So I don’t feel that this particular test gave a very usable answer. Any comments?

[t.parker]

@DaventryDerk just one comment. For such test you should use a chest strap not watch.