High target heart rate ...

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3 Replies Last post: Jan 4, 2008 1:04 PM by out of shape

JLS8756

7 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

Jan 4, 2008 11:48 AM

High target heart rate

When checking my pulse while exercising it always seemd high. Just got a polar heart rate monitor for Christmas. According to all the charts my max heart rate should be about 170 (50 years old). While on the tread mill today I was running hard, but not dying and it was 186. As I slowed down to a fairly easy pace, able to talk speed, my heart rate was at 170-175. My resting heart rate is about 75. According to the charts, I should be exercising at a rate of 119 - 144. I would be doing a slow walk at that pace. Not sure where to set my target zone. Any suggestions?

mikecnsc

1 posts since
Nov 18, 2007

1. Jan 4, 2008 12:31 PM

in response to: JLS8756

Re: High target heart rate

I too am 50 and i've been running for the last 3 years. Started running after I quit smoking and I've never felt better. I got a HRM when I started running since I was out of shape and I didn't want to have "the big one" and I tried to keep it within the recommended max limit ((220-age)*.8)) but I could never work up a sweat... so I started to not really worry about it. I've talked to a number of doctors and they tell me to rely on the old adage of "being able to talk" to determine if you've pushed too hard. The recovery time of your heart is also very important.

So now I run until I can't carry on a conversation (HR is usually 170-175) then I walk until it goes below 140. Not very scientific but it works for me.

daijoubu

29 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

2. Jan 4, 2008 12:54 PM

in response to: JLS8756

Re: High target heart rate

The target heart rate formulas are just a guideline (educated guess) for those that don't have any idea. Your maximum heart rate is the highest number of times your heart can contract in one minute,
or the heart rate that a person could achieve during maximal physical
exertion. It is not a limit at which you should stop. It is a limit you physically cannot exceed and cannot be calculated with a formula.

To truly find your maximum heart rate, consider doing a maximal heart rate test. You could have a cardiac stress test performed at an sports lab or (Don't do this on your own if you have any doubts about your heart. ) perform a simple one by warming up for a couple kms then run all out for 800m and measure your heart rate at the end. Run an 800m cool down and then all out for another 800m and measure your heart rate again. These two readings should give similar results and will be a good estimate of your maximum heart rate.

Where you should exercise depends on what you want to achieve. To maximize aerobic function you probably need to go irritatingly slow until your body adapts. To simply burn calories, go at whatever speed lets you cover the greatest distance in the time allotted without injuring yourself.

Rob

out of shape

1 posts since
Sep 11, 2007

3. Jan 4, 2008 1:04 PM

in response to: JLS8756

Re: High target heart rate

I to was stumped by a high heartrate with running but cycling i was able to exert myself a little more. What must be considered is level of fittness the better your conditioning the more efficent the heart works vs the more out of shape the heart has to beat faster to provide blood and oxygen to your body. Notice as your conditioning improves your heartrate should decrease and you can following the heartrate training regimen easier without taching out

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Jan 4, 2008 11:48 AM

High target heart rate

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