FT4M - question about "Maximum Heart Rate" input ?

melanie3103

Hi,

Just noticed on my HRM (FT4M) that this info is asked for at the same time as my gender, DOB and height/weight. I went in to adjust my weight, having lost 13 lbs. But noticed that I can amend/input my "Maximum Heart Rate" ? I don't think I input this when I first got it. This is the first time I've noticed it. Should I be inputting something here? Should I be amending this regularly ?? And if so how do I know what to put in ??

Confused.com.... Can someone help please ??
Thanks,

Mel x

Codefox

Your max heart rate won't change much or at all through your life (despite the horribly inaccurate equations to find it). Its actually fairly important to know for the HRM to be accurate but its a difficult number to get. Mine is 209(!) and I discovered that through some pretty strenuous running. Its not really the safest thing to try and find it unless you're fit or under medical supervision. To find it yourself you need to essentially wear your HRM and push yourself to your max and then when you can't go anymore...go a little harder. Till you feel like your heart is about to explode

Or get a medical test for it. But once you have it you shouldn't need to change it again.

melanie3103

Thanks for this.

If this is fairly accurate, I'm not that bothered. Was just concerned that I should be inputting something to make it more accurate, like my height or weight - I understand that the rate I burn cals will change as I lose weight. So I need to adjust accordingly as my weight falls. :-)

But if I can leave it, I will. Thanks again..

Codefox

There's probably a place for height and weight and if anything I'd keep those up to date. (I know there is on my Polar rs300x) Even if your HR max isn't correct, it will still give you a relative idea from workout to workout of what you're doing for sure.

melanie3103

Perfect, thanks so much x