Wondering about HR during exercise

glampixxie

I was looking at this chart (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Exercise_zones.png), which shows the different exercise zones in relation to heart rate. I am currently doing the 30DS every day, and since I've started Level 2 six days ago, I've been using a stopwatch while I count my pulse (can't afford a HRM right now). I have been hovering around 190bpm in this Level 2. From the chart, I see that is pretty much the maximum for my age (I'll be 25 next month), yet it shows that the level for fat burning is about 60-70% as opposes to the nearly 100% I have been experiencing. Do you think I should work a little less hard? Will I not be burning fat at this maximum HR?

mckshowie

bump.

im curious about this, too. i HAVE a heart rate monitor and when i workout and feel like im ACTUALLY exercising, my heart rate is outside of my 'zone'... if i stay in the zone, i don't feel like i'm doing anything.

bpayne78

You will still burn fat at the higher HR. If you stay in that "fat burning" range you will have to work out longer to get the same results at higher HR shorter time.....in other words, you might have to work out an hour in that range to get the same benefits as a half hour at the higher HR. In the long run, over time, you will have burned the same amount. Personally I like doing HIIT because you go all out for a short amount of time but still burn crazy cals.

glampixxie

Thanks bpayne78! I also like to hit it hard and get it over with.

I hope that this high HR isn't dangerous. I mean, I obviously am working out hard and sweating a ton, but I don't feel like I'm ever going to pass out or die or anything.