Obese and trying to balance heart rate and speed in a healthy manner
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Obese and trying to balance heart rate and speed in a healthy manner
So I'm clinically obese, 5ft 10in @ just under 230lbs for a BMI of 33. Four months ago I was just a little over 260lbs for a BMI of over 37. Since May 1st I have got back in to riding and have gone on 20 rides of 9-20 miles, with fourteen of the ride being 10 miles. About a month ago my physician recommended I keep my heart rate between 55 and 75 % max. It's been tough and the best I have done was a 10 mile ride this morning with an average 135 beats per minutes with an average speed of 10.7 mph. A few days ago I did a 20 mile for and had an avg of 152 bpm and 10.5 mph. So is my heart rate so high, compared to my slow speed, because I'm so out of shape?
#2
Senior Member
What's your resting heart rate?
I ask, because a few years ago I was diagnosed with inappropriate sinus tachycardia, a benign condition that causes increased heart rate. My resting heart rate was around 100-110 BPM. After an echocardiogram to make sure I didn't have any strange underlying condition (and after being diagnosed with sleep apnea and got started on treatment), I was put on a beta blocker to bring my HR under control. Now my resting HR is ~75 BMP while taking my meds every other day.
I'll also tell you I'm 34 years old, 5' 7", and just dropped down to 260 lbs. My 28 mile ride today had me at an average HR of 152. According to the calculation from the Mayo Clinic's website, my max HR is 186, which puts my HR right around zone 3-4 (though I tend to think I still run a bit high during exercise, even with meds). I also do feel like this will improve as my overall fitness improves and I continue to lose weight.
I ask, because a few years ago I was diagnosed with inappropriate sinus tachycardia, a benign condition that causes increased heart rate. My resting heart rate was around 100-110 BPM. After an echocardiogram to make sure I didn't have any strange underlying condition (and after being diagnosed with sleep apnea and got started on treatment), I was put on a beta blocker to bring my HR under control. Now my resting HR is ~75 BMP while taking my meds every other day.
I'll also tell you I'm 34 years old, 5' 7", and just dropped down to 260 lbs. My 28 mile ride today had me at an average HR of 152. According to the calculation from the Mayo Clinic's website, my max HR is 186, which puts my HR right around zone 3-4 (though I tend to think I still run a bit high during exercise, even with meds). I also do feel like this will improve as my overall fitness improves and I continue to lose weight.
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
What's your resting heart rate?
I ask, because a few years ago I was diagnosed with inappropriate sinus tachycardia, a benign condition that causes increased heart rate. My resting heart rate was around 100-110 BPM. After an echocardiogram to make sure I didn't have any strange underlying condition (and after being diagnosed with sleep apnea and got started on treatment), I was put on a beta blocker to bring my HR under control. Now my resting HR is ~75 BMP while taking my meds every other day.
I'll also tell you I'm 34 years old, 5' 7", and just dropped down to 260 lbs. My 28 mile ride today had me at an average HR of 152. According to the calculation from the Mayo Clinic's website, my max HR is 186, which puts my HR right around zone 3-4 (though I tend to think I still run a bit high during exercise, even with meds). I also do feel like this will improve as my overall fitness improves and I continue to lose weight.
I ask, because a few years ago I was diagnosed with inappropriate sinus tachycardia, a benign condition that causes increased heart rate. My resting heart rate was around 100-110 BPM. After an echocardiogram to make sure I didn't have any strange underlying condition (and after being diagnosed with sleep apnea and got started on treatment), I was put on a beta blocker to bring my HR under control. Now my resting HR is ~75 BMP while taking my meds every other day.
I'll also tell you I'm 34 years old, 5' 7", and just dropped down to 260 lbs. My 28 mile ride today had me at an average HR of 152. According to the calculation from the Mayo Clinic's website, my max HR is 186, which puts my HR right around zone 3-4 (though I tend to think I still run a bit high during exercise, even with meds). I also do feel like this will improve as my overall fitness improves and I continue to lose weight.
Congrats on the 28 mile ride!
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 2,348
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 680 Post(s)
Liked 948 Times
in
555 Posts
in cycling spinning faster and not pushing as hard will give your heart a better workout and and you wont tire as fast. I have a garmin watch and it will work like a bike computer a 25 cadence sensor will connect to it and give me that. once you know it you can sense the speed pretty well but its hard to know right off.
Likes For fooferdoggie:
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,688
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1074 Post(s)
Liked 295 Times
in
222 Posts
Don’t concern yourself with speed.
Speed is only important when:
- figuring out if you can join a group ride
- you need to be someplace at a set time
- as a tool to track your progress
For solo training rides, I ride by cadence and heart rate.
I know my knees are happier if I keep the average cadence above 85.
I know I recover better, can ride longer if I don’t stay over 160 bpm.
Speed is only important when:
- figuring out if you can join a group ride
- you need to be someplace at a set time
- as a tool to track your progress
For solo training rides, I ride by cadence and heart rate.
I know my knees are happier if I keep the average cadence above 85.
I know I recover better, can ride longer if I don’t stay over 160 bpm.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,900
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2604 Post(s)
Liked 1,926 Times
in
1,209 Posts
First off, congratulations on taking off 30 pounds. That's good work, keep it up!
I'm usually a "follow your doctor's orders" kind of person, but this one I'd take with a grain of salt. (Though that might increase your blood pressure.) First, unless you really push hard, you don't know what your maximum heart rate is. (Hint: it's probably NOT 220 - age.) Second, you're apparently just beginning a new cycling program, and honestly you need to push it a bit, at least for short periods, to get better. Third, I don't know about Apple watches, but most wrist-based pulse meters suck when you start exercising hard. Fourth, what kind of exercise does your doctor do? Way too many docs will tell you "exercise more and eat less" without any idea what level of exercise is appropriate. It's not a popular option, but you might think about finding another doctor who bicycles or runs and either switch to that doc, or at least getting a second opinion from them.
I'm usually a "follow your doctor's orders" kind of person, but this one I'd take with a grain of salt. (Though that might increase your blood pressure.) First, unless you really push hard, you don't know what your maximum heart rate is. (Hint: it's probably NOT 220 - age.) Second, you're apparently just beginning a new cycling program, and honestly you need to push it a bit, at least for short periods, to get better. Third, I don't know about Apple watches, but most wrist-based pulse meters suck when you start exercising hard. Fourth, what kind of exercise does your doctor do? Way too many docs will tell you "exercise more and eat less" without any idea what level of exercise is appropriate. It's not a popular option, but you might think about finding another doctor who bicycles or runs and either switch to that doc, or at least getting a second opinion from them.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Posts: 9,842
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Mentioned: 106 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2337 Post(s)
Liked 2,821 Times
in
1,540 Posts
So I'm clinically obese, 5ft 10in @ just under 230lbs for a BMI of 33. Four months ago I was just a little over 260lbs for a BMI of over 37. Since May 1st I have got back in to riding and have gone on 20 rides of 9-20 miles, with fourteen of the ride being 10 miles. About a month ago my physician recommended I keep my heart rate between 55 and 75 % max. It's been tough and the best I have done was a 10 mile ride this morning with an average 135 beats per minutes with an average speed of 10.7 mph. A few days ago I did a 20 mile for and had an avg of 152 bpm and 10.5 mph. So is my heart rate so high, compared to my slow speed, because I'm so out of shape?
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
#12
Senior Member
Thread Starter
First off, congratulations on taking off 30 pounds. That's good work, keep it up!
I'm usually a "follow your doctor's orders" kind of person, but this one I'd take with a grain of salt. (Though that might increase your blood pressure.) First, unless you really push hard, you don't know what your maximum heart rate is. (Hint: it's probably NOT 220 - age.) Second, you're apparently just beginning a new cycling program, and honestly you need to push it a bit, at least for short periods, to get better. Third, I don't know about Apple watches, but most wrist-based pulse meters suck when you start exercising hard. Fourth, what kind of exercise does your doctor do? Way too many docs will tell you "exercise more and eat less" without any idea what level of exercise is appropriate. It's not a popular option, but you might think about finding another doctor who bicycles or runs and either switch to that doc, or at least getting a second opinion from them.
I'm usually a "follow your doctor's orders" kind of person, but this one I'd take with a grain of salt. (Though that might increase your blood pressure.) First, unless you really push hard, you don't know what your maximum heart rate is. (Hint: it's probably NOT 220 - age.) Second, you're apparently just beginning a new cycling program, and honestly you need to push it a bit, at least for short periods, to get better. Third, I don't know about Apple watches, but most wrist-based pulse meters suck when you start exercising hard. Fourth, what kind of exercise does your doctor do? Way too many docs will tell you "exercise more and eat less" without any idea what level of exercise is appropriate. It's not a popular option, but you might think about finding another doctor who bicycles or runs and either switch to that doc, or at least getting a second opinion from them.
I actually only use the apple watch when I'm not riding. When I ride I use a garmin HR strap. And my physician is actually a cyclist, but does trail riding.
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
In a simple answer: yes your heart rate is high because you are out of shape. as you get in better aerobic shape, you will have a lower heart rate for the same level of exertion. but measuing exertion is not simple ie 10mph with a tail wind is totally different than 10mph with a headwind. for now just watch the rate and keep it in the range, if you are consistent you will see changes pretty fast
#15
Senior Member
Does the Garmin strap do cadence too? I have the Wahoo strap and it does. I thought someone said the Garmin did too.
#16
Senior Member
Thread Starter
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
#18
Senior Member
The Wahoo strap will work with anything that the Garmin will work with.and they aren't that expensive. May be worth looking into if your Garmin strap doesn't do it.
#19
aka Phil Jungels
Ride what is comfortable for you. As you get into better shape, comfortable will have changed.
Be mindful of what you are doing... If comfortable is 45 RPM, so be it, Maybe in two or three weeks, 50RPM will be in the comfort zone so bump it up, and within a few months, 70 might be your magic number.
Take your time, and you will get there.
Good Luck, and good health.
Be mindful of what you are doing... If comfortable is 45 RPM, so be it, Maybe in two or three weeks, 50RPM will be in the comfort zone so bump it up, and within a few months, 70 might be your magic number.
Take your time, and you will get there.
Good Luck, and good health.
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I didn't either honestly. I bought mine for HR. But was surprised when I uploaded the data that it tracked cadence too. I was skeptical at first but I got on my indoor bike which has an actual cadence meter and compared the two. They were within 1-2 RPM of each other and that's good enough for me.
The Wahoo strap will work with anything that the Garmin will work with.and they aren't that expensive. May be worth looking into if your Garmin strap doesn't do it.
The Wahoo strap will work with anything that the Garmin will work with.and they aren't that expensive. May be worth looking into if your Garmin strap doesn't do it.
#21
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Ride what is comfortable for you. As you get into better shape, comfortable will have changed.
Be mindful of what you are doing... If comfortable is 45 RPM, so be it, Maybe in two or three weeks, 50RPM will be in the comfort zone so bump it up, and within a few months, 70 might be your magic number.
Take your time, and you will get there.
Good Luck, and good health.
Be mindful of what you are doing... If comfortable is 45 RPM, so be it, Maybe in two or three weeks, 50RPM will be in the comfort zone so bump it up, and within a few months, 70 might be your magic number.
Take your time, and you will get there.
Good Luck, and good health.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,624
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1324 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
640 Posts
For cadence you can count in 1,000s which is pretty darn close to one second ie. 1001 1002 is one second to say. We used that in the army a lot. Counting from 1001 to 1006 should take six seconds and multiple the number of pedal revolutions in that time by ten and you have a pretty good idea of what your cadence is.
Cheers
Cheers
#23
Klaatu..Verata..Necktie?
Join Date: May 2007
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 17,952
Bikes: Litespeed Ultimate, Ultegra; Canyon Endurace, 105; Battaglin MAX, Chorus; Bianchi 928 Veloce; Ritchey Road Logic, Dura Ace; Cannondale R500 RX100; Schwinn Circuit, Sante; Lotus Supreme, Dura Ace
Mentioned: 41 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10421 Post(s)
Liked 11,882 Times
in
6,088 Posts
First off, congratulations on taking off 30 pounds. That's good work, keep it up!
I'm usually a "follow your doctor's orders" kind of person, but this one I'd take with a grain of salt. (Though that might increase your blood pressure.) First, unless you really push hard, you don't know what your maximum heart rate is. (Hint: it's probably NOT 220 - age.) Second, you're apparently just beginning a new cycling program, and honestly you need to push it a bit, at least for short periods, to get better. Third, I don't know about Apple watches, but most wrist-based pulse meters suck when you start exercising hard. Fourth, what kind of exercise does your doctor do? Way too many docs will tell you "exercise more and eat less" without any idea what level of exercise is appropriate. It's not a popular option, but you might think about finding another doctor who bicycles or runs and either switch to that doc, or at least getting a second opinion from them.
I'm usually a "follow your doctor's orders" kind of person, but this one I'd take with a grain of salt. (Though that might increase your blood pressure.) First, unless you really push hard, you don't know what your maximum heart rate is. (Hint: it's probably NOT 220 - age.) Second, you're apparently just beginning a new cycling program, and honestly you need to push it a bit, at least for short periods, to get better. Third, I don't know about Apple watches, but most wrist-based pulse meters suck when you start exercising hard. Fourth, what kind of exercise does your doctor do? Way too many docs will tell you "exercise more and eat less" without any idea what level of exercise is appropriate. It's not a popular option, but you might think about finding another doctor who bicycles or runs and either switch to that doc, or at least getting a second opinion from them.
BUT!!! Don't even think about trying to figure it out yourself without checking with an actual doctor first. There may be a reason he suggested going no more than 150 bpm.
__________________
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
#24
Klaatu..Verata..Necktie?
Join Date: May 2007
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 17,952
Bikes: Litespeed Ultimate, Ultegra; Canyon Endurace, 105; Battaglin MAX, Chorus; Bianchi 928 Veloce; Ritchey Road Logic, Dura Ace; Cannondale R500 RX100; Schwinn Circuit, Sante; Lotus Supreme, Dura Ace
Mentioned: 41 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10421 Post(s)
Liked 11,882 Times
in
6,088 Posts
For cadence you can count in 1,000s which is pretty darn close to one second ie. 1001 1002 is one second to say. We used that in the army a lot. Counting from 1001 to 1006 should take six seconds and multiple the number of pedal revolutions in that time by ten and you have a pretty good idea of what your cadence is.
Cheers
Cheers
__________________
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles