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HRM Help

Nyksta
Nyksta Posts: 241 Member
edited February 9 in Fitness and Exercise
Hello all :)

I got a HRM/watch for Christmas (Polar FT7) and have used it for running and stationary bike. It has given me a target HR of between 120 and 134 to with an upper HR of 190.

The thing is my HR goes well over 120/130 when exercising unless I go really really slowly. Usually between 140 and 160 which it tells me is "fitness"..... to be in the "burn fat" range I near enough just need to walk. Staying in the "burn fat" range also means less calories or exercising longer to burn the same number of calories.

So. My questions is I suppose, do I NEED to be in the "burn fat" range when running or should I just do my normal pace that puts me into the "fitness" range.

I know I don't need to run to lose weight so I guess I'm doing it more to get the extra exercise calories and improve fitness? But obviously if it can help towards the weight then I want that too.

Any advise would be gratefully received :)

Thanks

Nyk

Replies

  • _Zardoz_
    _Zardoz_ Posts: 3,987 Member
    Ignore the burn fat range polar are a little obsessed over this. Just worry about the overall calorie burn which higher intensity will give you
  • Fuax75
    Fuax75 Posts: 70 Member
    My wife and I each got one for Christmas as well (the Polar FT7).

    Here is how I look at it, it is a more accurate way of looking at the calories that I am personally burning verses, an estimated average based on the general population. I also look plainly at the calories in and calories out aspect of my workout/training session and the Polar FT7 HRM helps me identify more accurately what I am burning.

    I have looked into what you are talking about the fat burn range and the fitness range, maybe there is truth to it maybe not I do not know for sure either way, what I do know is that if I am burning calories I must be doing something right.

    Don't get hung up the minute details of the HRM just use it as another tool in your training. :smile:
  • Nyksta
    Nyksta Posts: 241 Member
    Thank you both! This is very helpful :) The whole reason I wanted the HRM was to get a more accurate number with regards to calories burned so I guess I won't worry about the rest.

    I just kept thinking if I run any slower to burn fat I won't be running at all! lol

    I'm looking forward to taking it swimming because I believe it can be used in the pool?

    Nyk x
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