Quote Originally Posted by NFATrustGuy View Post
I hope Fitz doesn’t mind me piggybacking on his post. I think we’re probably looking for the same thing, so I think it’s relevant.

So what *should* a guy be doing to increase aerobic stamina? Based on my age (50), my maximum heart rate would be 220-50=170. I trained every other day on an elliptical at 80% of this (136 bpm) maintained for a solid hour each session and saw virtually no improvement in my stamina when I went snow skiing this season.

I also notice that when I exert myself carrying or lifting heavy stuff, I tend to sweat like a pig. I can be working alongside someone shoveling rock or hanging drywall or whatever and I sweat more than they do by a long shot.

My resting heart rate is always in the low 50’s when I get an EKG each year for my Class I pilot physical. My blood pressure is always on the high end of the spectrum, but I don’t take any meds for it. I’m short for my weight, so my BMI usually hovers around 30. I’d have to lose around 35 pounds to be in the “normal” BMI range.

I’d love to try the treadmill test Fitz is being subjected to, but I don’t have access to a treadmill right now. Maybe I can try it on a hotel treadmill sometime soon. I have one of those spiffy Polar heart rate monitor straps and watches.

Should I be doing interval training instead of just sustaining 80% for an hour at a time?
Your rested heart rate in the 50's is perfect. You only need about one LSD session per week to maintain it now, and sport specific training is the best. You have that harder, longer term problem solved of building your aerobic base.

Now switch up to shorter, higher intensity cardio of your choice. Do a 4-6 week block and work progressively harder. What cardio best replicates down hill skiing? Do it. With consistent effort, you will adapt rapidly.

After that, maintain your gains with a session per week, and focus on weights again.

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