Is max HR determined automatically by Garmin watches reliable?
I’ve been #running consistently for last one year (ran over 500km) and my #Garmin watch has been increasing my detected max heart rate slowly. Last week it reached 202 bpm, and that has me a little worried because I’m not exactly a young man (almost 40 now). Since my workouts are heart rate based, they have been getting harder too. Though I must say, I feel less tired than a year ago.
Has anyone else experienced this? Is it safe to follow the max HR determined by the watch? #runnersofmastodon
@abnv @running If you’re using a chest strap with it, the values are likely correct. If you’re using the built-in wrist sensor, you’re probably experiencing cadence lock. It’s a phenomenon of optical HR sensors that pick up on your cadence instead of your HR. Compare your cadence values to your HR. If they are similar, that’s what’s happening.
In any case, best go see a doctor and perform an ECG and lactate threshold test under stress. It’s what I did, to make sure.
@abnv @running In any case, getting a proper external HR sensor changes everything. I can recommend:
Garmin HRM-Pro Plus (chest)
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/770963
Polar H10 (chest)
https://www.polar.com/en/sensors/h10-heart-rate-sensor
Polar Verity Sense (arm)
https://www.polar.com/en/products/accessories/polar-verity-sense