I’ve been trying to incorporate a bit more conditioning into my training lately, and I have a question about measuring intensity via heart rate. Let’s say I perform some low intensity conditioning on my off day, and my heart rate stays between 120-130. The next day, I perform that same amount of conditioning right after a hard lifting workout, and my heart rate gets up to 150-160. Should I consider that a higher intensity conditioning session due to the higher heart rate, or is that still considered low intensity based on what my heart rate would have been if I were completely fresh? I guess I’m confused about whether intensity of conditioning is actually measured by heart rate, or if the target heart rates are just guidelines to give you a rough idea of how hard you should be working under ideal conditions.
I don’t think I’d use HR in isolation to characterize high or low intensity. Rather, the HR + the RPE of the effort should be used. If it’s a hard effort and your HR is elevated > 70% max HR at times, that’s high intensity.
I’m not sure what you mean. RPE is a subjective metric, you know? We do give some information about how each RPE level should feel, but this is subject to interpretation by design. The subjective input for loading tends to be more useful than objective inputs anyway.
I guess I’m looking for something that would be the equivalent of the “RPE 8 = I could do about two more reps”, but for conditioning instead of strength training. I recognize that my assessment of that is going to be subjective, but it seems a little clearer than just saying “hey, that set felt like an 8/10”.