Heart rate monitors - worth using ?

**TheRuss** · Posted On: 7/12/2008 2:36pm

Well, I think the gist of it is that the same volume of running work will give you the same results in terms of your ability to run, but if you do intervals instead of constant-paced stuff, you'll get better endurance in other activities as well. I still have some reservations regarding the assumptions made in the study, but to keep it simple, if you're getting your heart rate up, you're already halfway there.

If you can figure out your maximum heart rate (I'm not sure how - maybe someone else knows?), you can try out some of the interval patterns they used in the study, although the basic concept is fairly simple: go fast for a while, go slow for a while, repeat.

**Rock Ape** · Posted On: 7/12/2008 3:13pm

220 - age

= 178 bpm

I'll try the interval training idea and let you know how I get on.

**new2bjj** · Posted On: 7/12/2008 4:16pm

Here is a preview of maffetone's book. I imagine it really depends on your goals, but heck, you can see what his stuff is like at least-

http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&...m=10&ct=result

**Teh El Macho** · Posted On: 7/13/2008 8:50am

Originally Posted by Stigander

I stumbled upon some research thingy... that said that you build your body best at 90% heart rate over 4 minutes then rest.. It had to do with running, physical appearance and endurance.. I think the prinsipp could be applied to other types of training.. maybe you could try boost up your heart rate before doing a set.. run or something.

No dude. That's wrong. That's one way to up your metabolic conditioning, which is fine and dandy if that's what you want or need. There is no such thing as "building your body", at least not as a blanket, cookie-cutter, fit-all statement. It would certainly not be a good thing to do for bodybuilding proper.

Anyways, Dave, I'd say get the heart rate monitor if you haven't done it already. Something simple, nothing complex. At the very least, you can use it upon waking up, while still lying on your bed, to check your daily heart rate. If you see an increase of, say, 7-10 or above (or something like that, can't remember), from your average daily HR, it means you are close to overtraining (or about to get sick) and in need to deload or get some rest.

Also, it makes it more accurate to see your performance (and see if you are actually reaching target level of exhaustions) as opposed to going by feeling.

**Rock Ape** · Posted On: 7/13/2008 9:23am

Ta mate..

Always appreciated

**Rancid Pantaloons** · Posted On: 7/13/2008 9:31am

This guy is going to Iraq so I doubt that he needs bigger muscles. I thought that the goal was higher energy/better endurance since he will be running around with a backpack, body armor, and a weapon of some sort and it is very important for him to be able to stay awake.
Do you think that this kind of training can be good for that?

**Rock Ape** · Posted On: 7/13/2008 9:55am

Actually, I need good muscle tone especially over my shoulders and arms, I will be carrying/wearing some heavy ****.

I've been on a weight training routine for some 9 weeks and already seeing results. I must confess my diet isn't perfect by any means but I've no intentions of 'living the life' of a fitness obsessed individual (no offence intended to those that are). Out in theatre we can consume upwards of 4-6k of calories per day and this is quite acceptable given the working routine and the physical nature of the job.

I'm fortunate that I can - until at least the 8th September - be in the gym almost every day for at least a couple of hours and thus far, I haven't felt overly fatigued or muscle stressed.

Truth be told, I haven't really an actual training plan or goal. I just exercise every day (and watch the eye candy whilst there lol)

**Teh El Macho** · Posted On: 7/13/2008 11:49am

Originally Posted by Stigander

This guy is going to Iraq so I doubt that he needs bigger muscles.

That is debatable, and my point wasn't whether RA need muscles or not, but that your post had a certain number of flaws (trying to "build the body" using a protocol better used for metabolic conditioning.

Originally Posted by Stigander

I thought that the goal was higher energy/better endurance since he will be running around with a backpack, body armor, and a weapon of some sort and it is very important for him to be able to stay awake.

That is still debatable (see his response to you). This isn't like a cookie-cutter solution that can be applied to every person dude.

At the end of the day, a person needs strength to do those things. Whether more muscle is needed, that depends on the individual. It won't matter that you have a superb gas tank and endurance if your frame (skeleton, muscles and ligaments) can't carry heavy **** for hours on end.

Again, what's needed depends on the individuals' needs.

Originally Posted by Stigander

Do you think that this kind of training can be good for that?

You mean the training you initially mentioned? Certainly, it can help, for metabolic conditioning. Not for "building the body" as you originally asserted.

Have a great weekend everyone.

**TheRuss** · Posted On: 7/13/2008 12:36pm

Originally Posted by Teh El Macho

Have a great weekend everyone.

You too, dude. Also, get some sleep, for cheese' sake. The tripod of training is diet, rest and exercise, and four or five hours can't be doing you much good.