High intensity interval training heart rate

Training Q&A [Moderated]
1

I tracked my heart rate for the first time during a 20 min HIIT session (every 2 minutes sprint 20 seconds @10) and I was surprised to learn my heart rate never got above 127bpm. I had expected it to redline for some reason. I do push myself to what feels like an @10 by the end of the 20 seconds.

I’m a 36 year old male and have done bike-based HIIT workouts 1-2 times per week for years at this point, along with resistance training. Am I just well adapted to HIIT, or do I need to figure out a way to push it harder (eg: increase pedal resistance, switch to another cardio modality for HIIT, etc.)

Thanks,
Tim

2

Tim,

I would consider doing flying starts, i.e. start pedaling or running faster prior to the start of the interval, and/or increasing resistance, and/or monitoring the sprint-worthiness of your efforts by monitoring power output vs strictly heart rate. I’d favor flying starts and power output monitoring.

-Jordan

3

Thanks! Gonna try this today

4

Well it certainly worked :sweat_smile: average 170 bpm. Had to modulate the resistance a few times so as not to stop

5

Nice. Happy to hear it :hot_face: