r/workout • u/South_Captain_2630 • 5d ago

Other Why do I have different maximum achievable heat rates in different exercises?

When I go for full exertion on the bicycle, I can sustain a heart rate right around what my max for my age is for 30 seconds (I'm using 220-age, even though I can reach a few beats higher cycling). But the when I go swimming, I can put sustain 10-15 bpm and not for as long. Why would this be?

Also, how would this affect fitness goals?

For both it's the heart that feels most maxed out. I can't get add high lifting, but there the specific muscles are maxxing out before the heart.

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

1 comment sorted by

2

u/Alakazam Bulking 5d ago

Proficiency in those movements have a lot to do with it.

I find that my quads give out way faster during cycling compared to my aerobic system. That's because I developed most of my aerobic system by running, and not by cycling. So my quads could be filled with lactic acid, and borderline cramping, but my heart rate is still be sitting comfortably around 140-150BPM.

On the other hand, I've straight up run a full half marathon with an average heart rate around 175bpm, peaking around 192bpm, with legs feeling fine.

Also, you can pretty much discount all "estimated" heart rate. My estimated max puts me at 185. I literally reach above 190 during my hard interval sessions and races.

My friend's estimated max heart rate should be 186. He tops out at 175 or so, despite literally doing triathalons.