Heart Rate

StaciMarie1974

I see many resources indicating what your target heart rate should be, based on your age. I know these are guidelines and averages so individuals can vary - but I'm not sure how important they are.

I'm 39 years old. the 50-85% Target HR Zone for 40 is 90-153. I'm typically in the mid 140's doing light cardio (walking 3.5mph) and higher when I'm walking more aggressively or jogging. I can comfortably walk 3.8-4.2 mph most of the time. Still working on the jogging/running so don't do much of that in comparison. No more than a few minutes here & there, and its at or around 5 mph.

I've lost a little over 20 pounds since Christmas. Down now to 154.6, and I'm about 5' 5.5". Eating around 1500 calories a day, sometimes closer to maintenance range for an occasional day 'off'. Get plenty of protein, and I don't feel like I have any problems with energy level. My family has a history of high blood pressure - but personally I've always been on the low end of normal.

3dogsrunning

The target heart rate based on age is probably the least accurate one. I wouldn't go by it.

HR zones are also wildly inaccurate. They are also pointless for weight loss (they do have a use for training purposes but you are much better off to do testing to find your actual max HR and work from there). Yes, you burn more fat calories at low HR zones, however, you burn few calories overall. When you workout at higher HR zones, you may burn a smaller percentage of fat calories, however, you overall burn is much higher so that small percentage still ends up being more.

Workout at a rate that challenges you, but you can complete for the planned time. Or try intervals.

sjohnny

If you're working out to lose fat or just generally get in better shape HR zones aren't really important at all. Just go do your thing.