Todays Cardio - heart rate

[cajunthunder]

No one has responded to my heart rate question yet, so I thought I'd share today's experience. I wore the gyms monitor and got on the elliptical. I was going really slow, but my heart rate was staying between 139-142. Now according to those heart rate calculators, my optimal fat burning level is between 115-125.

I am so confused!

[Isabeau]

Ok, I'm not a math whiz, but I think I read in your other post that you figured out your maximum heart rate should be 178. That sounds about right looking at your age (I know that doesn't account for fitness level, etc). Anyways, I see then you figured out that 65% would be 115.7. My maximum heart rate is about the same as yours. I was told to work out at between 70 and 75% of my maximum which is a heart rate of between 125-134 and that this was just a guideline and I could teak it. For example, my heart rate was higher, but I felt really good, could carry on a conversation but still be breathing fairly heavy and sweating. So, I was told this is okay.

Betty knows a lot about heart rate monitors and I'm sure she can help you better than I. I certainly use mine.

[spirittalker]

the best way to figure out your target heart rate is to do this:

Calculating Karvonen
Example
Calculation

1.
MHR is determined by subtracting age from 220.
A 35-year-old person
220 - 35 = 185

2.
Subtract the resting heart rate from the MHR
Resting heart rate is 75
185 - 75 = 110

3.
Multiply the result (110) by the desired intensity level.
Desired intensity is 85%
110 x .85 = 93.50

4.
Add the resting heart rate to this result (93.50).

75 + 93.50 = 168.50


The complete Karvonen Formula for a 35-year-old exercising at 85-percent intensity is:

220 - 35 = 185
185 - 75 = 110
110 x.85 = 93.50
75 + 93.50 = 168.50

[ttdriver]

I can NEVER work out (run) at 70-80% of my maximum. I'd be crawling. So I came up with an arbitrary maximum of 185 bpm and try to stay between 168 and 180. Of course I have to factor in such other things as heat/humidity, etc., which raises my HR. I notice when I run in the 'winter', my hr is much lower...so I figure my heart has to work harder to cool my body down when running in the heat.

Hey, if it hasn't killed me in a year and a half, it probably won't, right??

Betty

[cajunthunder]

Thanks ladies!

Using the Karvonen method spirittalker provided, I was within optimal fat burning levels today. :yes

Maybe my working at too high of a level could explain my long periods of no weight loss? Either way, at least I know now where I should be when doing my cardio!

I can't wait to get my heart rate monitor!

Thanks for the help! :hug