Beta blockers and exercise heart rate

[AndyHEdwards]

I am 64,type 2 diabetic,on 5mg Bisoprolol to reduce ectopic beats,if I walk and record my heart rate would rowing at that heart rate be the equivalent of walking?,cardiologist and GP want me to exercise but I want to mix rowing and walking.

[iain]

I'm not a health or even fitness professional, so not qualified to provide reliable advice. That said, personally unless on a significant hill my HR even when walking quickly is not in a range that I could do any meaningful rowing at. That said we are all different and this forum has shown me that HR performance between rowers varies wildly. In particular rowing is relatively easier on the "gravitationally challenged" as it is not weight bearing, so if you are in that category there might be merit to your suggestion.

[Tsnor]

Above advice is good, so is your original premise. You certainly can gain health value from rowing at very low HR levels comparable to walking.

Some wrist based HR monitors fail badly measuring HR while rowing. Cross check the measured HR by making sure you can talk/breathe as easily rowing as walking. If rowing seems harder then walking you should back off the effort until it feels comparable to walking. Don't trust the measurement.

Eventually your doctor will clear you to work harder than walking pace given the large number of health benefits. Suggest you focus on rowing FORM/TECHNIQUE now at low load so that when you get the ok to go a bit harder you avoid the problems that can come from bad form. Plenty of good intro technique videos on youtube. Here's a good one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ82RYIFLN8 from concept2 australia.

[jamesg]

I want to mix rowing and walking.

An hour a week of intensive work on the erg plus 2-3 hours walking is ideal. At age 64, I'd say, essential.

On hill paths, long skisticks work the shoulders more than rowing; and downhill offers eccentric legwork and agility too.

[JaapvanE]

I want to mix rowing and walking.

An hour a week of intensive work on the erg plus 2-3 hours walking is ideal. At age 64, I'd say, essential.

Janes, as I read the OP, the cardiologist has limited HR, and in such case intensive work is outside the capabilities of the OP.

Rowing can be done at low HR and has health benefits. As said above, it is easier on the body and it can be done when it is too hot or wet outside.

I have no heart rate limits, but still do 90%+ of my rowing in low HR zones. All long distance, but I can talk to people, and watch stuff on my tablet. I like the movement, and it doesn't wear me out. It does bring health benefits: I notice I'm not out of breath anymore when walking in the mountains during my holidays.

[drluvguru]

I am 64,type 2 diabetic,on 5mg Bisoprolol to reduce ectopic beats,if I walk and record my heart rate would rowing at that heart rate be the equivalent of walking?,cardiologist and GP want me to exercise but I want to mix rowing and walking.

Considering your health conditions and medication, it's great that you want to mix rowing and walking for exercise. Given your age and type 2 diabetes, it's essential to consult with your cardiologist and GP to create a personalized exercise plan.