Cant reach my max HR

[rentagreement]

Rowing is almost full body, so it's easy to overload the CV system.

Now thinking more about this I realize that it is maybe more my problem that I cant physically breath anymore on the rower at certain intensity than a maxHR problem. Sometimes at higher spm I feel my lunges implode and due to the bending foreward I feel like I cut off my lunges... I just cant breath anymore. So I tried to reduce my reach forward and also my SPM, gave some relief.

[rentagreement]

The intervals you mention are well over 2k distance, so need not be done at race rates around 30. But the stroke should be in proportion to your height and weight as to force and length.

Interesting point. I did not think about it this way.

So you suggest I should settle on lower spm with more watts per stroke? Even during short intervals?

I am 188cm and 90kg.

[rentagreement]

What approach have you taken to trying to hit your max HR on the erg?

Earlier I did intervals or a race pace 2k format.
Recently I went for a ramp test I found here on this forum.

1min intervals starting (after warmups) at 2:15min splits, raising speed by 2sec every 1min until fainting

I made it to 1:42 with maxHR 161bpm at 32spm

The effort definitely felt much harder than anything I experienced at 161bpm on a bike or while running

[jamesg]

1:42 Pace is 330W, so at rate 32 just over 10W-min per stroke. That's the sort of stroke you need and is possible at 188x90, but you don't have to do it all the time at over 30.

Training ratings are aerobic, up to 70% of target race Watts, at rates from 18 to 24.

[Dangerscouse]

Now thinking more about this I realize that it is maybe more my problem that I cant physically breath anymore on the rower at certain intensity than a maxHR problem. Sometimes at higher spm I feel my lunges implode and due to the bending foreward I feel like I cut off my lunges... I just cant breath anymore. So I tried to reduce my reach forward and also my SPM, gave some relief.

I say this quite a lot, but breathing sequence can easily be an issue when rowing. Smaller, and seemingly insignificant inhalation, and exhalation, of air will accumulate over the course of a session, which can result in slight panic and a vicious circle.

Don't forget how different cycling is to rowing in terms of compression when trying to breath, so what you've mentioned above will help and you may need to practice diaphragmatic breathing, which may help a bit too

[Elizabeth]

The intervals you mention are well over 2k distance, so need not be done at race rates around 30. But the stroke should be in proportion to your height and weight as to force and length.

Interesting point. I did not think about it this way.

So you suggest I should settle on lower spm with more watts per stroke? Even during short intervals?

I am 188cm and 90kg.

I would take all of those intervals mentioned at around 30-33 spm. The total meters are more than 2k, but I would expect that they're roughly 2k pace. I'd personally take the steady state more at r19-20, but know some people who take it at higher rates and it seems to work for them.

Good to hear that you're using a chest strap; mine has decided it doesn't feel like working and my watch was measuring a HR of 90 again today for 1:00 interval work. I haven't done enough hard cycling to have an idea of my max HR, but my running max is about 5 bpm higher than my rowing max. I can hit my rowing max at both low rate and high rate work if the effort is both high enough and sustained over a long enough period.

I'm equally confused as to why you're not hitting a higher HR. Have you had a form check?

[spinray]

Hi, I have just rejoined this forum. I am 73 yrs old so it's a long time and many LBs since my Sports Degree. 30 years ago my Max HR was 16 beats higher than the calc 220 - age and on a rare occasion I check my nearly max (220 -age -16). But I do use the Conconi AT Test. It is made for the rower. Knowing your AT is much more useful. Lots of references about Conconi Test on line. It might be out of date but still useful.This is how I go about it:
Duration 20 mins. I wearing heart band I set split for 1 min and 20 reps on PM5. I use a steady 26 spm at 2:00/500 and reduce that by 1sec each minute so after 20 min I'm down to 1':40"/500. I know this looks easy but you pick your own starting speed.
Remember this not a max test but can be adjusted for such. A friend would be handy to write down your BPMs.
When checking results your looking for is linear upward straight slanting line of heart beats (there will be very slight deviation). When effort is becoming harder you will see a drop in heart rate which gives a good deviation which is no longer linear. Where the heart drops that is your Anaerobic Threshold. AT is very much a measure of your state of fitness. Remember as with Max Testing you should be well rested for a couple of days before test. Reasons why.. another time.