Same heartrate - different feeling

logitech

I use a polar heartrate monitor and I have noticed that I can be at the same heartrate on different exercises and completely feel different. Here are some recent examples, in each case my HR is at about 140 which is at the high end of zone three for me:

1. Stairclimber - this is the most exhausting for me. I feel like my body is working harder than any other type of cardio exercise.
2. Running on treadmill - not quite as hard a stairclimber, but still a challenge.
3. Spin Class - 60 minute class is easily completed
4. Ellipitacal - not very challenging. Always checking my HR monitor to ensure I'm getting a workout.

Am I crazy?

staciekins

That's because you are using different combination of muscles with each exercise. For me, from hardest to easiest would be Stairclimber, Elliptical, Spin class, then Treadmill. It all depends on where your "stronger" muscles are.

abbie017

I agree with Stacie; you're using different muscles in each exercise. You may want to target the ones where you feel weakest to build them up, and up the resistance on the ones where you aren't feeling quite as much of a workout. Adding resistance to the elliptical definitely makes it a stronger workout!