Dear Dr.
I have a question concerning one of my athletes. He's a 52 year old male, very actively training for marathons and triathlons. In my cycling classes when we perform some LT - VO2max intervals mixed into a relatively tough 1hr session, his HR Avg may only be ~110-118, a Max HR of 140. I would expect at the intensity levels that the max and avg HRs would be ~15-20 bpm higher. Other athletes' HRs are not nearly this low, even the younger athletes. Do you have any feedback, guidance, or suggestions as to what this may be? Obviously, he will consult his doctor again; however, he has mentioned it to them in the past, and they all state that this is good. I have some concern of it being that low at those intensity ranges.
Appreciate your time.
Todd
Thanks so much for your post. I'm a moderator for the site and though not medically trained I will try to help answer your questions.
Unfortunateky, I am unable to answer you questions directly. As you state, he must consult his doctor and seek advice from a trained professional. I am searching for information concerning low heart rate and exercise and hope to find that for you.
Please check back and hopefully I will have something to help.
All the best, sue