Question about heart rate

jmaggs

Active Member
Hello,

I posted the below question in the Ask Cathe forum, but I don't think she is there today. I thought I would post it here too, because I know there are many educated members here that might be able to help.

Here goes...

Yesterday, after completing the first segment of Body Max, I did the heart rate test that's included and when I counted my beats per the time it says, I am above the maximum level shown for my age.

Because I'm over the maximum, does this mean I'm over-exerting myself? I just wanted to make sure that I am getting the maximum benefit from my exercise sessions.

Thanks for any help!
Jennifer
 
Are you counting starting with 0? Usually heartrate is checked by this getting 220-your age. This will give you your your Maximum heartrate. Actually, your heartrate should not ever get that high. To stay at your range of aerobic fat burning you need to fall between 55% to 85% of your maximum heartrate. So...here is what you need to do.

Figure your maximum heartrate by using 220-your age.
Example..220-30 (30 year old) = 190. So, you would get (this is your 55%--lower end of the scale) 190x.55= 105 beats per minute. Then get the higher end of your training heartrate zone of 85% by getting 190x.85= 162 beats per minute. So, if you look at a clock and figure what your heartrate is w/out having to count the full 60 seconds...you can cheat it. Simply because there would be a rapid decline in your heartrate if you stand there counting. So, you can do it two ways. Count for 6 seconds starting with the number 0 and then multiply that by 10 and that will give you your full minute heartrate to see where you would fall in your zone of 55-85%. Or start with 0 and count for a 10 second time frame and multiply that figure by 6. Usually the more efficient one is the 10 second count. But, me...I got tired of trying to count and figure it out...so I broke down and got a heartrate monitor. So, I can see the rise and fall of my heartrate during certain training sessions. I have a Polar A5. It gives calories burned, duration, and keeps your ongoing heartrate.

I hope I helped you and didn't confuse you!
 
Yes, I agree having a heart rate monitor is really a must have when your a seasoned exerciser and esp if your a newbie.

You can purchase a Heart rate monitor at walmart or target for around $40.00, money well spent IMO!!

Some monitors have special features that will alert you if your out of your target heart rate zone, that way if your heart rate is too high you will be alerted.

:) ;-) :D :p :9 :7 :+
 

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