Is it just me or...

kamoira23

Does it seem like some days you just CAN'T get your HR up? I went to the gym this morning. I walked there (it's only a little over a half mile away) and my HR only got up to around 105. I was going at a decent pace (probably 3-3.5), but I figured it was because it was really cold out (in the lower 30s). Then, at the gym, I got on a machine that I haven't been on in a few weeks and was GOING, and my HR never really got above 140. This happens at least once a week, where I'm going and going and REALLY working (super sweaty and such), but my HR can't seem to get very high, therefore I can't burn many calories. At first I thought maybe my HRM was acting up, but I even used the sensors on the gym equipment, and they were low too.

Anyone else have these days? Is it normal?

CMmrsfloyd

I have a hard time getting my HR up and keeping it there if I'm particularly tired or if I maybe haven't had as many calories so far in the day as usual. Sometimes a snack before my workout helps me perk up.

Also, I do have a hard time getting my HR up when I'm walking 3-3.5 like you said. My trick is to really get my arms moving. I throw punches, swing them around, pick up a couple of 1 lb or 2 lb weights and do stuff while walking, etc. If you really get your arms into it, you can still get your HR up. I can get a really decent burn even at those speeds as long as I am putting a good effort into working my arms, too.

Also, I think the more you workout and get used to certain activities, the more work it takes for those activities to get your HR up. I'm not sure if that's a fact or if it's just something in my head. But it seems to be what I've experienced on my short 3 month weightloss and exercise journey so far. The more I do something, the easier it gets, the harder I have to work to get my HR up. That's why I started throwing in the arm stuff on my walks when I'm not up to jogging.

Oooh, also, if your treadmill has the incline option, you can set the incline a bit higher so you have to work harder even though it's the same speed. Or try 'jogging' at that same speed. The action of hopping/jogging makes your work harder than walking.

drivermarshy

maybe up the intensity? i get this sometimes on the cross trainer and just up the level x

lotuslion

I'm at a point where walking, no matter how fast, just won't get my HR up. This is a good thing - it means you're getting fitter! - but it's definitely frustrating when you're trying to get a calorie burn going.

If you're on a machine, try upping the resistance rather than just the speed, or doing interval training (if you feel up to it, high intensity interval training should get your HR going!)

If you're out walking, try jogging a big to get your HR up, and then walk. If you HR drops again, jog a little more - this is what I have to do now if I'm out walking my dog and I want it to count as exercise, haha.