Heart rate never in target zone; Low resting heart rate.

81Katz

So I think I might have always had a fairly low heart rate (resting that is) I checked it at Walmart a couple days ago, it said 44 at resting. I checked it the next day on my PolarFT4 and it said 53, another time it read 57. Ok, so when I work out (usually treadmill, very fast walk or light jog) every time I am done with the workout the watch reads that I never got into my target zone (it shows 125-? can't remember) So when I was done with my workout (yesterday) my heart rate only showed 90 something. I notice I can walk or jog about 20-25 minutes in before I am really feeling the burn so to speak, before I get a little sweaty. I don't know maybe some is because I have possibly built up an endurance 1. since losing a lot of weight 2. doing a lot of cardio for a while now.

I know I should probably ask a Dr. and luckily no I have not had anything happen such as fainting, dizzy, breathing problems, etc. that can sometimes happen with low heart rates.

Also, it bothers me because I feel I have to work out harder and longer because the dang calorie counter on my HRM doesn't seem to turn over fast enough. It's like come on already! Having to put in at least 40-60 minutes on the treadmill to get a pidly calorie burn. Might only be 350-425 maybe. All that work for that little amount.

Thanks!

scottb81

What is likely happening is that you are sandbagging your workouts. As you get in better shape your heartrate will naturally be lower unless you increase the amount of work you are doing. So, if you are doing cardio you need to go faster. The good news is that faster now should be easier than slower was before.

My resting heartrate is 40. Walking around at a normal pace it might get up around 80. Even after running hard it drops back into the 90s within two minutes while still walking around.

81Katz

Thanks for your reply but the rate I am walking now, for me it feels fast enough without really struggling, but I am sure sooner or later I will break past this too and will be able to go faster. Usually a fast walk at 4-4.2mph right now, Jogs are higher of course. I also use the incline on the treadmill.

It's very frustrating because I have to work, work and work some more at it. I guess for the amount of exercise I put in I feel like dang, the burn should be higher. I am doing some strength training too; weights, abs/crunches (yoga/Pilate's ball, big and small) lunges, squats, and have been yoga on and off for a few months now too.

Thanks again.