Bleep test and max hr

[Jimba]

I have always been a bit sloppy working out training zones etc. I have for the last 10years been working on a presumed max hr of about 170 or maybe a couple more, Never having done a proper test for it. I suppose with hindsight I should have recognised that the only time I am giving it full welly is when I usually have done a few miles and am already fatigued. So my readings have reflected the most I could give....having already given quite a bit

So, opportunity for a bleep test at work so thought I would give it a go. They are quite hard

I have a new max hr, 181

Shouldn’t be a shock, but it was.

The test only lasted 8 or 9 minutes and because it is a ramp test, the garmin result looks pretty accurate, ie not a spike.

Who knew

[jonathon.e]

Which gives you an age of 39. Based on a max hr of 220 minus your age. Cool, getting younger every year .

If you have access to a treadmill ( instrument of the inquisition ), you could try a Conconi test, and see if that gives you a different result as it takes longer as it is more gradual, but, it needs another person to note the results as it goes on, it just makes it easier.

Mrs J, has to do a fitness test each year, but due to an injury on duty, the bleep test is a none starter due to the twisting at the end of each leg. So at her own expense goes to the fitness department at the local university to do a max VO2 test on a bike, which is to exhaustion, whereas the bleep test is just to a specific level, to say she is f#cked after the test is an understatement.

Kudos to your new age Jimba, does that mean you can celebrate two birthdays now, a fitness age and a standard age?

[Jimba]

Cheers Jon.

We have various levels on the bleep test dependent on specific roles - general entry, specialist roles etc. The instructor was “kind” enough to allow me to go on to exhaustion.....and I was exhausted

I have always found the bike max lower than the running max, probably my bike legs are not strong enough to push the aerobic system to the max.

Two birthdays sounds good, if my fitness age is currently 39 I can look forward to a big celebration soon!

I will do it again when I am fitter.....last few months have not been great training wise....i don’t think it will change the max hr, but I now have a level to aim for.

[Jack Hughes]

You’re sitting down on the bike. You incorporate less muscles into the workout than when running. So oxygen demand is lower, so heart rate is lower.

Running, you’re lifting yourself off the ground, and using your arms.

How many younger people did you beat?

[Jimba]

You’re sitting down on the bike. You incorporate less muscles into the workout than when running. So oxygen demand is lower, so heart rate is lower.

Running, you’re lifting yourself off the ground, and using your arms.

How many younger people did you beat?

I think you are probably right, I always had a higher run hr even when I was much better on the bike than I am now.

I didn’t get to face off against all the young recruits as they were made to pull out at 5.4 which is the recruitment grade....a few looked quite relieved