Essentially, the inability to appropriately increase HR in response to physical activity and defined as the inability to achieve at least 85% of age predicted HR max on a max aerobic test. I think that I may have it.
I had a relatively mild case of COVID about 9 months ago but have had significant issues with exercise tolerance since. I have been tracking my HR more carefully with a chest strap over the last few months as I have attempted to initiate some more structured training and intervals. I am 54, just prior to COVID during hard intervals on the bike and run I could achieve a HR of 162-168. Now I can only achieve a HR of 124-130 and my average HR during long rides is only about 95-99 yet it feels like I'm riding at threshold pace. My resting HR has dropped slightly since COVID even though I am probably less fit and I frequently have lightheadedness upon standing.
I came a across a few small observational studies on this phenomenon recently.
Article 1
Article 2
I was just wondering if any of you have had a similar experience? If so, did it ever improve and was there anything specific that you did that lead to that improvement?
As of now I am assuming that it is something I may have to deal with moving forward and just try to increase my fitness as able despite this limitation. I feel fine otherwise during the day, it just makes exercising less fun because it never feels good or easy and I can't keep up with my riding buddies anymore.
Thanks for any insights or experiences that you may have.
I had a relatively mild case of COVID about 9 months ago but have had significant issues with exercise tolerance since. I have been tracking my HR more carefully with a chest strap over the last few months as I have attempted to initiate some more structured training and intervals. I am 54, just prior to COVID during hard intervals on the bike and run I could achieve a HR of 162-168. Now I can only achieve a HR of 124-130 and my average HR during long rides is only about 95-99 yet it feels like I'm riding at threshold pace. My resting HR has dropped slightly since COVID even though I am probably less fit and I frequently have lightheadedness upon standing.
I came a across a few small observational studies on this phenomenon recently.
Article 1
Article 2
I was just wondering if any of you have had a similar experience? If so, did it ever improve and was there anything specific that you did that lead to that improvement?
As of now I am assuming that it is something I may have to deal with moving forward and just try to increase my fitness as able despite this limitation. I feel fine otherwise during the day, it just makes exercising less fun because it never feels good or easy and I can't keep up with my riding buddies anymore.
Thanks for any insights or experiences that you may have.