I got my HRM ... now what??? Numbers are confusing

DebbieLaviolette

I'm excited to have my HRM in hand now....so I read the book and I still don't get what\how I should set all my numbers. Anybody got a quick explanation? I don't want to waste too much of your time.

WomanofWorth

I'm not sure what numbers you're referring to but if you're referring to setting up target zones, here is some nice info from the Heart Assn on that subject:

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4736

staciekins

Uh depends on which model you have...

DebbieLaviolette

Sorry. I have the Timex T5G971 and Yes, i was referring to the zones.

WomanofWorth

I have a Timex ( Timex T5J031) as well and the book is about as clear as mud. Basically the zone that you want to work out in depends on what you're trying to accomplish ie. endurance vs. weight loss, etc. For me and my goals (weight loss), I need to work in zone 3. I am 45, 223 lbs. It may take you a few times of reading the book to understand it but hope this helps. Once you figure out which zone you want to work in (via the mode button then hit the start button to scroll through), don't forget to use the alarm mode so that it beeps when you're out of the zone or training too hard. It does get easier but there is a learning curve.

DebbieLaviolette

Thanks justsayit!! Our goals are much alike. I too need to be in the weight loss zone. I am 47, 205lbs. I went to the site you posted but now I see that those numbers are for the "healthy heart" zone 1. I too need to be in Zone 3..... UGH!!! this is confusing :-)

WomanofWorth

Thanks justsayit!! Our goals are much alike. I too need to be in the weight loss zone. I am 47, 205lbs. I went to the site you posted but now I see that those numbers are for the "healthy heart" zone 1. I too need to be in Zone 3..... UGH!!! this is confusing :-)

Did you get the heart zones tools for success book with your HRM? If so, it outlines that info well. I found the info on page 18. But the Heart Assn is good for telling you what is accomplished at what # of beats per minute.

DebbieLaviolette

Yep I got the book and figured out where I need to be in zone 3. I did like the info on the AHA website....very insightful.

WomanofWorth

OK glad you got that book and got it figured out. I'm happy to help! You want to be working at least 60% of your target heart rate. Zone 3 on my HRM is 123-140 beats per minute. I found that info by pressing the mode button until I got to zones and then looked at the range. If you want to train at the higher end of the AHA's recommendations for your age, you could set it in zone 4, which begins at 140-158 beats per minute (at least on my model)

It took me about 2 weeks to figure out my HRM, so there is a curve there.