In pursuit of 80%! 🚴🏻‍♀️

[jeeves19]

I was reminded the other day that I ought to be working out at 80% of maximum heart rate. I never trust my stationary bike monitor on this point so invested in an app. But what a nightmare trying to put finger on the right spot on my phone 📱 when pedalling fast! And then I have to slow down to do this which probably lowers the heart rate 😕. Difficulties aside, despite cycling away like a little hamster as fast as I could I rarely managed to make 80. It seemed to increase gradually the more the exercise went on irrespective of the pace i cycled at which intrigued me. But it struck me that if 80% of max is the zone whereby PD is counteracted by exercise, then sadly my efforts ain’t cutting the mustard and probably never have despite lots of sweat and have an RPM of over 80 (cadence). I would say that during the 30 minutes of intense cycling, I managed to reach 80% maybe for 15/20% of that time. Any observations from the gang most welcome and I hope that you’re as well as can be expected.

[Smokeypurple]

Hey jeeves

I'm on the same quest - no solutions but I do think we have to build up to extended 80 percent HR.I use this HR monitor - works well, cheap, only one battery change in 4 years. Its currently unavailable but this page will show alternatives...

amazon.co.uk/dp/B00NJAGRQY?...

There's a PD cycling teacher who is currently online for lockdown her name is Izabela Ruprik - based in London but online that's irrelevant...

If you're interested I'll send you details.

You need a bike, Zoom, and ideally a way to monitor HR and RPM but last two mot essential.

The online classes are mixed PD and non PD cyclists but she knows what particular difficulties we face (and in your own living room there's less shame in taking a quick breather!). My left right cadence balance has improved since May so I can now cycle faster, which in turn aids attainment of higher HR. She runs 4 classes a week currently (2 early, 2 lunchtime) - and its a great way to inject something new even if it only lasts until Lockdown finishes. I've learnt a lot.

Keep turning those pedals!

[jeeves19 in reply to Smokeypurple]

Presumably that unit you’ve referenced removes the need for fiddling during the exercise? That’s what bugs me about what I’ve bought so far, I have to sort of slow down to operate it 😕

[Smokeypurple in reply to jeeves19]

Yes it's a chest strap which has a watch attached which gives read out constantly. I put it on the handlebar.Many fitbit type things do HR but more ££

[jeeves19 in reply to Smokeypurple]

Great. Thanks for your reply. Very generous of you 🙏

[BootsOn in reply to jeeves19]

I have a Polar Heart Rate Monitor Watch which I purchased a few years ago, pre-PD, when I wanted to ensure I was 'in the zone' for weight loss while walking. It does indeed remove the need for fiddling!

Plenty of info here

polar.com/uk-en

[jeeves19 in reply to BootsOn]

Thanks for that

[Kevin51]

I have used a fitbit charge 2 as HR monitor for the last 3 years. I get a steady 140/150 bpm when I cycle on my e-bike and my Brompton outside but have never managed that inside on my rowing machine despite lots of effort. Bas Bloem reckons that sweat and breathing are a more reliable measure than simply HR as PD affects autonomic function. There is some research that suggests that exercise engagement matters a lot and since I have to be really alert outside biking maybe that affects my HR as much as the effort! Best Kevin

[jeeves19 in reply to Kevin51]

Cheers Kevin

[jimcaster]

I can't get to 80% of my max heart rate on a stationary bike, despite pedaling at 80-90 rpm for an hour. When I jogged more, it was much easier to get to 80%, but I take some comfort in the stationary bike studies which suggest getting to 80+ rpm is the goal.

[jeeves19]

You might have got me thinking about the running Jim. I might throw some of that into the mix. Thanks

[Dap1948]

What maths are we doing here? Is maximum heart rate 220 less your age. For me at 72 that works out at 148 I think. Then 80% of that is 118? Am I correct? Well walking for half an hour takes my heart rate to 136. Help!!

[Sapeye2020 in reply to Dap1948]

I was wondering the same Q.?? 71 3/4 and have been using 120 h.r.

[jeeves19]

Yep. Your Maths is correct Morag. 😊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[Dap1948 in reply to jeeves19]

You could argue that my 'success' at attaining 90% max heart rate is a sign of not being fit! But then my husband, who is now very unfit, has a heart rate that doesn’t go above 50 bpm whatever he does! I think a lot of personal norm comes into this maths... Morag!! Ha! 😂🤣😂🤣

[Sara1580]

Hi Jeeves, I use this heart rate chest strap and link it to the free map my fitness app on my phone. You can keep track of your heart rate whilst exercising, (without fiddling) and even see how much time you've spent in each heart rate zone. Hope this helps.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07D4J5VDK/...

[jeeves19 in reply to Sara1580]

Thanks Sara 😊