Conundrum--how hard to push exercise & HR

shorerider

Ok, here's my current scenerio:

The first 7 weeks here I lost 26 pounds--about 3 1/2 pounds a week--

I was exercising about every other day and using MFP to calculate my calories burned through exercise. I didn't have a HRM, so I just pushed myself until I felt like my heart was racing and tried to maintain that pace until I couldn't do it anymore--then pedal slower for bit--then increase it again, etc. I was riding between 5-10 miles each time I went out.

The last two weeks, I've lost 2.5 pounds--my caloric intakes hasn't increased either.

I got my HRM and now have been keeping my HR within what the HRM says is the optimum max range. I increased my distance and was riding between 15 to 22 miles every other day. However, I didn't feel I was pushing as hard as I had been before I got my HRM. I thought that it was perhaps my fitness level was increasing and that's why it didn't feel as hard as it did before.

The conundrum:

My weight loss has slowed dramatically. Yes, I know it's only been two weeks since it'd slowed but I want to "nip it in the bud" if I can.

So, should I push my exercise until my HR is above what the HRM suggests?

Is it better to ride shorter rides but push harder or longer rides where I don't push as hard?

shorerider

Ok, here's my current scenerio:

The first 7 weeks here I lost 26 pounds--about 3 1/2 pounds a week--

I was exercising about every other day and using MFP to calculate my calories burned through exercise. I didn't have a HRM, so I just pushed myself until I felt like my heart was racing and tried to maintain that pace until I couldn't do it anymore--then pedal slower for bit--then increase it again, etc. I was riding between 5-10 miles each time I went out.

The last two weeks, I've lost 2.5 pounds--my caloric intakes hasn't increased either.

I got my HRM and now have been keeping my HR within what the HRM says is the optimum max range. I increased my distance and was riding between 15 to 22 miles every other day. However, I didn't feel I was pushing as hard as I had been before I got my HRM. I thought that it was perhaps my fitness level was increasing and that's why it didn't feel as hard as it did before.

The conundrum:

My weight loss has slowed dramatically. Yes, I know it's only been two weeks since it'd slowed but I want to "nip it in the bud" if I can.

So, should I push my exercise until my HR is above what the HRM suggests?

Is it better to ride shorter rides but push harder or longer rides where I don't push as hard?

Fab140

First of all, congrats on the awesome mileage! :happy:

As for pushing yourself past what your HRM suggests.....I suggest you ask a cardiologist or someone specialized....Also, your weight loss my have slowed due to stress, wanting to conserve energy, or like it does for the ladies on the biggest loser: after about two weeks they hit a plateu.

:flowerforyou: Best of luck shorerider!!
M

gabi_ele

I'm in the same boat, the last week and a half I have gained and lost the same 2 pounds twice. I would talk to your doctor about pushing harder, but untill then I would not do it, there is a reason why it has limitations and I think I'd rather be on a platoe for 3 weeks then in a hospital with a heart attac. So here is to keep on keeping on:flowerforyou:

shorerider

Well, I'm not saying I was pushing so hard before that I couldn't breathe or something. It's more that since I got my HRM, I just don't feel like I'm getting the same work-out then I was before.

Guess one thing I was asking was how should you feel after a good work-out? Worn out? Just feel a little worn out? Just feel like you've been a nice slow ride or what??

I came out of the "no pain/no gain (no loss!) old school, so am concerned that maybe I'm not working out hard enough if I go by my HRM?

Fab140

A good workout in my book is where you're sweating, huffing and puffing, but after the cool down and the stretching you feel energized and content. AKA endorphines are marvelous! A little tired is ok, but if you feel like you could sleep for four hours after a "good workout" you may be pushing your body in a bad way.

yoginimary

I tend to work harder or easier if I'm wearing a HRM. When I'm in the mood to slack off, I'll look and see I'm only at 140, so I'll step it up. I'll also be huffing and puffing and look down and see 175 (I saw 185 once) and I'll take it back a bit. So now, I just wear the HRM sometimes. If I'm trying a new class or feeling lazy, I'll wear it.
I would worry if I thought I was pushing myself too hard - I would get the ok by the doctor or at the very least, workout in a group setting - so if something happened, someone could call 911. But if everything is groovy, don't wear the HRM if it's slowing you down.