General Discussion Triathlon Talk » VO2 test and setting HR Zones Rss Feed  
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2018-08-27 12:17 PM


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Subject: VO2 test and setting HR Zones
I had a VO2 test done for cycling. Can I set my HR zones based on my results or do I need to do a lactate threshold test?


2018-08-27 2:31 PM
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Champion
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Subject: RE: VO2 test and setting HR Zones

Do you mean VO2 max?

If so, then yes.  Your heartrate when you were at 100%VO2 should be your maximum HR to within a small error.

It is generally thought that %MHR and %VO2max are linearly related.  Approximately,

     %MHR = 0.65 x %VO2max + 37

So for example if you want to do a workout targeting 60% VO2max then you'd be at

     %MHR = 0.65 x 60 + 37.2 = 39 + 37 = approximately 75% of maximum heartrate.

Obviously the formula above is approximate because at 100% VO2max you'd be at 102% max heartrate...  So it's probably a good idea to 'fudge down' a little (which I also did in the calculation above).


(The formula above is based on a regression analysis of experimental data, not on theory, so it is bound to be a little 'off', assuming there is even such a thing as 'the correct' 'formula, which is doubtful.)

 [edited for poor formatting]



Edited by Experior 2018-08-27 2:32 PM
2018-08-27 3:14 PM
in reply to: Experior


4

Subject: RE: VO2 test and setting HR Zones
Yes VO2 max. Forgive me, but I'm new to all this. I have a report with a bunch of data. My max HR was 182. For 100% VO2 am I looking for peak? Peak was 56.5. Or where do I find 100% VO2?
2018-08-27 3:48 PM
in reply to: Decoydonna

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Champion
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Columbia, South Carolina
Subject: RE: VO2 test and setting HR Zones

Yes the peak was your VO2max.

But that number isn't important for training.  It's just a number.   Unless you are going to strap on a facemask with an oxygen consumption meter you cannot train by that number (or percentages of it).

Train by your heartrate zones.  If your plan says to target X% of VO2max, use the conversion formula from my previous post.

Remember also that your max HR is likely to be a little bit lower (few beats per minute maybe) on the bike than on the run (unless you happen to be a very well trained cyclist and not a runner).  But the HR number that you have is good enough.  Most training by HR is 'plus or minus a few beats per minute' anyway.

2018-08-28 11:02 AM
in reply to: Experior


4

Subject: RE: VO2 test and setting HR Zones
Thank you!
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