Couch to 5K Running Program (C25K)

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HRM & Heart Rate

fitplease
fitplease Posts: 647 Member
edited November 9 in Social Groups
My HRM allows me to set a target zone for my heart rate. At 40, my maximum HR should be 220-40, or 180. I will get my HR up into the mid 150's (e.g. 157) and not feel out of breath. Should I set my target HR zone for 144-162 or 126-144?

How did you determine your target zone? What did you decide to set yours at?

Replies

  • flossybach
    flossybach Posts: 8 Member
    The HRM will set you a target of 70-80% of your maximum HR. A HR above 144 is then into cardiovascular fitness range, between 126-144 is within the fat burning range, so it really depends on what you want to do.
    I'm the same age as you and try and do 5 workouts in the fitness range (running, although not very fast, spin class, and swimming) and 2 in the fatburning (low impact strengthening at Curves). You burn more calories the higher your heartrate is but you can't exercise for as long.
    Its just about building to increase your BMR so that helps lose weight and get fit.

    Good Luck
  • thekarens
    thekarens Posts: 254 Member
    I don't set mine for a specific rate, mainly because I have no control over my heart rate (for the most part) I'm just starting the C25K and it's not unusual for my heart to spike up to 170 on the running portion. On the flip side, I do the elliptical on the days I'm not running and my body is so used it ot that even when I go for an hour it's rare that my heart rate goes about 140. It usually hangs out around 125-130. I will be 42 in April.
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