Tip of the Month
How do I compare my heart rate in water to my heart rate on land?
Because of the type of resistance water provides, the answer is very different for every person. The resistance in water is equal to the pressure exerted against it, so the harder you push/pull through the water, the more resistance you gain during your workout.
Heart rates in the water are generally 12-15 beats per minute lower than on land (while performing the same activity at the same intensity level). Researchers say that this is because the water is a bit lower than your own body temp and water pressure on the body helps circulate your blood requiring less work by your heart. |
