question on heart rates

[Arjen]

I’ve got a question on heart rates during a static attempt. Last Friday my buddy and I experimented with a heart rate monitor. I had a short preparation and started the attempt. My heart rate dropped to about 42 beats per minute, almost instantaneously after starting my attempt. It stayed at 42 beats per minute during the whole attempt even when I had contractions (I counted about 50 during the whole event) and my heart rate shot back up when I ended my attempt. The attempt was 3 minutes 48 seconds, which was also a personal best for me. That surprised me the most, because the previous attempt I tried to set a personal record but I failed miserably that time.

Is a constant heart rate of about 42 beats per minute during a static attempt good or bad? If it is high, how can I get it further down?

[Bill McIntyre]

I guess I should stay out of this since I'm a spearfisherman rather than a pure freediver, but I doubt that a comparson of your heart rate during a static with that of someone else will tell you anything useful. After decades of running and cycling, my resting heart rate is 38. I have no idea whether or not it drops when I dive, but I have a lousy breath hold.

[Crazys13]

Arjen, that is a good drop, you will need to add depth to get it to go lower I am guessing. I had similar results doing some experiements, but mine only went to 48. Quite astonishing though, isn't it? Did you notice how it will drop during the breathhold, then rise back up pretty high, very fast so your body can replenish your CO2 and O2? Mine would go from 48 to 95 in a matter of 5 seconds then fall back down to rest of 60 after a couple of minutes. I just find all this stuff amazing. Good luck with your training, and be safe. Hope this helps shed some light on your question.

-John