• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Become a Premium Member
  • About

Road Bike Rider Cycling Site

Expert road cycling advice, since 2001

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Bikes & Gear
  • Training & Health
  • Reviews
  • Cycling Ebooks
    • Ebooks Training
    • Ebooks Skills
    • E-Articles Training
    • E-Articles Nutrition
  • Member Area
  • Newsletter

Is My High Heart Rate Normal?

Question: I’m 38 years old, 170 pounds and ride 5-7 hours per week doing a mix of intervals, hills and endurance. My heart rate has always been high compared to guys I ride with. I’ll see a max of 194 bpm during a big climb and average 165 bpm at 17-18 mph on flat-to-rolling terrain. 

Also, I struggle to follow training schedules that advise recovery rides at 60% of max heart rate. That’s 116 bpm for me, a number I hit by the end of the driveway! My HR has been like this for many years no matter the level of fitness I’m at. Is this normal? — Christopher D. 

Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Only a physician can tell you if you have a medical condition that’s contributing to your high heart rate. It’s always good to get a checkup whenever you suspect a problem, even if only for peace of mind.

From my layman’s perspective, your heart rate response sounds normal.

It’s definitely not unusual to hit 194 bpm during hard efforts at your age. Averaging 165 (about 85% of max) is normal for rolling terrain at a brisk effort.

As for easy rides, 60% of max is unreasonably low for everything but spins on a flat bike path. Recovery can take place even if your HR goes higher because the goal is muscle recovery, not heart recovery.

The trick to a recovery ride is to have very little sensation of pushing on the pedals. Spin your legs. Your heart will take care of itself.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search

Recent Articles

  • All Sides of Cycling: A New Column and a Cycling Reason To Avoid Added Sugars
  • Kali Protectives Uno Road Helmet Review
  • Castelli Alpha ROS 2 Jacket Review
  • Newsletter Issue No. 948

Recent Newsletters

Newsletter Issue No. 948

Newsletter Issue No. 947

Newsletter Issue No. 946

Newsletter Issue No. 945

Newsletter Issue No. 944

Footer

Affiliate Disclosure

Our cycling expert editors and writers choose every product we review. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. This income supports our site.

Follow Us

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
Privacy Policy

Still Haven’t Found What You’re Looking For?

Copyright © 2021 · Magazine Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in