What is your highest heart rate

zumbawhit

The key thing to understand is that whatever numbers you are seeing, you need to do some exercise not just focused on one heart rate number. You should do some workouts at 60-70% of your max for longer duration, some at 70-80% for medium duration and some intervals. That is the basis of a cardio program that will continue to work for you. Varying your intensities, using different energy stores, (fat and carbs) is the key to contunuing to acheive results. So don't just focus on one number. Focus on doing some work in a variety of intensity ranges. Its how high level athletes train, and its how the general fitenss enthusiast will get the best results as well.

Completely agree. Varied intensities and intervals are the key!

teagin2002

I like interval training, I find myself sweating more. I like to sweat I feel wonderful after sweating in an exercise then taking a dip in the pool, and I live in south Florida so the weather is perfect for it now.

yeroc39

The key thing to undestand for everyone that is focusing on their number, is that you should be focused on varying your intensities. A successful cardio program is build on working out in a variety of target zones. Some work done at 65-75% for longer duration, some exercise at 75-80% for mid duration, and some intervals above that. Varying your intensities is what leads to success, and will ensure your body doesn't adapt to your static training and not improve anymore. Its the way athletes train to get better, and its the way everyday fitness enthusiasts can get the most our of their workouts, by using different energy sources at different heart rate intensities.....

yeroc39

Sorry....double posted.....

zumbawhit

I think you just posted the same thing twice. LOL!

yeroc39

For oooogravy, you now have an even more accurate Max to work your numbers off of. That is the best way to find your working, or attainable max to use.......

zumbawhit

HA! Nevermind!

valeriebpdx

I am 40 and have hit 193 for a minute or two. Some people's HRs just run hot, too--as soon as I start running at all I am in the low 160s, which I can sustain for hours. I am a regular exerciser and have run four marathons, so it's not just a low fitness level. The 220-age is just a quick-n-dirty guideline to give you an idea of where you should be. Every individual has his own true max.

Secret_Agent_007

70% of 180 is only 126. Does that mean I run too fast to get optimum results out of my workouts by keeping my HR around 150 ??

Hellbent_Heidi

70% of 180 is only 126. Does that mean I run too fast to get optimum results out of my workouts by keeping my HR around 150 ??

Not at all...above 70% puts you into the "cardio training" or endurance range, which seems perfect for a runner,. If I understand correctly (and I'm no expert), 70% is the optimum for fat burning or 'heart health' range, so my guess would be this is a good target rate for someone starting out (or starting over) and looking to improve their overall health.

According to this calculator..the formula varies by gender and activity level..interesting

http://www.stevenscreek.com/goodies/hr.shtml

yeroc39

To WillPower. First question I would ask is how did you determine your Max HR>....

Carfoodel

My HRM watch did report back once as 228 - but assumed that was just a glitch - i am just returning to exercise after an 18 month gap so am just starting at 30 mins cardio 30 mins weights 3 times a week - average today was154 with a max of 175 - but it recorded it all in the fit burning zone. I thought it wasn't so much the highest rate - but how quick the recovery is? my heart rate does go quite high - on the cross trainer etc - but drops from 160 to 140 in about 90 seconds - I have seen it go up to 180-190 - but it drops very quickly if I ease off.

yeroc39

You are correct. Its not about how high you can get it, but getting it into a range that is in line with the benefits you are looking for. And using recovery heart rate is a very good tool. If you 20 beats in 45-60 seconds, that's pretty good.

And the 228 was probably either interference, or if it happened at the start of your workout, it was most likely a contact issue.

JamesBurkes

202 at 40 years of age. My legs felt like lead and I couldn't breathe, but I didn't feel like throwing up.

jacobhammond

Highest recorded was 195 sustained for a few minutes on an exercise bike at the gym. Lately, I can hold low 180s with decent sustainability on elliptical/bike but it's hard work (naturally). I'm 28 years old, btw.

rita27ny

im 30 and highest heart rate was 186 is that too much?

DopeItUp

During my licensing/training, we are taught to tell our members (YMCA) this:

The aerobic training recommendations:
* Frequency: 3-5 days/week
* Intensity: 91% MHR
*Duration: 20-60 minutes aerobic activity

That make sense? To get your 91% the equation would be (220-age) x desired percentage (.91) = THR (target heart rate)
The reason we say 20+ on the minutes is because you don't actually start burning fat until a activity has been maintained for a minimum of 20 minutes (something most people don't know).

So, whatever your 91% of Max Heart Rate is, you should do a minimum of 20 minutes at that. Of course, everyone is different, but that is the recommendation.

That's pretty crazy, I don't think anyone can sustain 91% of their MHR for more than a few minutes. 20-60mins? No way. I see that you posted that you can, if true then that is impressive. For me that would be doing 180 for 20-60 minutes, that is just beyond my comprehension! You must be in incredible shape.

Your statement about not burning any fat until you've done something for 20 minutes is almost equally as crazy. So if I walk for 20 mins I start to burn fat at that point, but if I sprint as fast as I can going uphill for 19 minutes I don't burn any fat?

DopeItUp

im 30 and highest heart rate was 186 is that too much?

No, no such thing as too much really. My supposed MHR is 188 using the formula (I'm 32) and I can hit upper 190s with ease during HIIT. 197 is my max that I've seen if I remember, and I'm sure I could hit 200 if I tried.

zumbawhit

During my licensing/training, we are taught to tell our members (YMCA) this:

The aerobic training recommendations:
* Frequency: 3-5 days/week
* Intensity: 91% MHR
*Duration: 20-60 minutes aerobic activity

That make sense? To get your 91% the equation would be (220-age) x desired percentage (.91) = THR (target heart rate)
The reason we say 20+ on the minutes is because you don't actually start burning fat until a activity has been maintained for a minimum of 20 minutes (something most people don't know).

So, whatever your 91% of Max Heart Rate is, you should do a minimum of 20 minutes at that. Of course, everyone is different, but that is the recommendation.

That's pretty crazy, I don't think anyone can sustain 91% of their MHR for more than a few minutes. 20-60mins? No way. I see that you posted that you can, if true then that is impressive. For me that would be doing 180 for 20-60 minutes, that is just beyond my comprehension! You must be in incredible shape.

Your statement about not burning any fat until you've done something for 20 minutes is almost equally as crazy. So if I walk for 20 mins I start to burn fat at that point, but if I sprint as fast as I can going uphill for 19 minutes I don't burn any fat?

Again, all these facts are quoted directly from my paperwork in training with the YMCA of the USA.