Supertraining

Unfortunately the formula cited by Mr. Garrison has been misused by trainers 
for years.  The formula was devised by two cardiologists who had done studies 
with regards to stress tests on a treadmill back in the 60s.  They were on 
their way to a conference to present their findings and wanted to be able to 
tell the audience what the target max heart rate should be when testing cardiac 
patients on a stress test.  They came up with the formula which is often cited 
by trainers and misused. Most individuals have a maximum HR which is much 
higher than what you will find using that formula.

 Maximum heart rate will vary between individuals irrespective of age. Two 
individuals the same age will most likely have different maximum HR.
 It will also vary depending on the type of activity being performed.   The 
more muscle mass being used for a given activity will yield a higher maximum HR 
in the same individual

Most people rarely achieve their maximum hr in training since the effort is 
generally very difficult.  There are devised step tests for various activities 
designed to help an individual reach their max.  Perhaps the best way is in 
competition when a person is not thinking about how they feel but are near the 
finish line. 

At 55 my maximum observed HR was 188 and was observed while using a HRM at the 
end of a hard bicycle race.  My maximum at age 64 was 175 and was observed also 
during competitive rowing at the end of a 2 K TT. 

Ralph Giarnella MD 
Southington Ct USA 


--- On Wed, 5/21/08, phillip g <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> From: phillip g <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Subject: RE: [Supertraining] Max heart rate
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2008, 1:18 PM
> Max heart rate is 220-age. So for a 40 year old man the max
> heart rate is 180
> 
> Phillip Garrison, CSCS
> Mesa, AZ
> 
> ======================
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]:
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Wed, 21 May 2008 16:22:03
> +0000Subject: [Supertraining] Max heart rate
> 
> I had a client ask a strange question the other day. His
> question was "what is the max heart rate that a person
> can maintain and sustain will working cardio conditioning
> until the body will shut down." My educated guess was
> 220. But know that the body will voluntarily slow down with
> the fatigue and lactic acid overcoming the person. Has there
> been any studies or a definite answers for this type of
> performance.Thank you for you time on reading my
> question.C. ChaneyLong Beach,CA, USA[Mod: Please don't
> forget to sign your post with your full name - many thanks]
> 
> ===========================