This discussion is very pertinent now that Spin Class is in session, but it will benefit anyone who is riding for fitness. In our Spin Class, we use Anaerobic Threshold as a referrence for all cardio conditoning drills.
Okay, why use a Heart Rate Monitor at all? That’s a good and sound question. Volumes have been written about just what kind of exercise is right, and how much is enough. The thing is, unless yo have some good, objective method of measuring exercise intensity, you are most likely doing way too little, or way too much. The one can be almost as bad as the other.
Why Heart Rate? The answer to that one is fairly simple. Heart rate (measured in Beat Per Minute or bpm) changes in response to exercise. As you increase the intensity of effort, your heart rate rises. (You probably already know this.) The thing is, each individual is different. One person’s active resting rate may equal another individual’s high moderate effort. Don’t think so? Here’s a real example:
I am a “slow beater.” My friend Matt is a very fast beater.
Standing heart rate Anaerobic Threshold
Steve 67 152
Matt 85 201
Hey there! My AT is only 75% of Matt’s! But, when we are each working at our own AT, we know exactly what benefit the exercise is giving each of us. That is a key point.
Reference to heart rate values makes it possible for an exercise program to be individualized. If an exercise program is designed around a given set of heart rate values, it will not overwork one subject, while underworking another.
At the beginning of this discussion, I noted that we use Anaerobic Threshold, also referred to as AT. To learn precisely what your AT is, you must be tested. The test is simple to take, not terribly expensive, and very accurate. We recommend using FitLab Inc. Their testing methods are non-invasive, and actually kind of fun to experience. They are local in Peachtree City, and can be contacted through their website, http://fitlabinc.com/
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