target heart rate?? Help!!!

LBM1026
LBM1026 Posts: 7
in Introduce Yourself
Does it matter if I always go over my target heart rate? I work out 5-6 times a week and I can't seem to stay in my zone, Is this bad?? Even when I took it slow today and tried, I still went over. What can I do about this and does it matter if I continue to exceed my target heart rate????

Replies

  • Masterdo
    Masterdo Posts: 331 Member
    Well, it depends on tons of factors like your general current health...

    I am also always up way above my target heart rate and was concerned, but I was told by my doctor and 2 trainers that it didn't really matter, as long as I can sustain it comfortably (can still talk) and stay hydrated during the workout. I was doing 2 x 20 minutes of elliptical, separated by weight training at the time, both workouts between 170-175 HR. Wasn't a problem, and I cooled down in reasonable time. If you don't have heart problems or diabetes already, the "Cardio zone" seems to be merely a suggestion (and the "fat loss" zone some sort of practical joke I think...)
  • ResetJen
    ResetJen Posts: 124 Member
    What are you doing?

    Whenever I do Zumba I know I'm going to hit Zone 3 a lot and so I let that one be, as it is what it is.

    But on the cardio machines I have found that by changing the resistance and my speed or steps per minute I can pretty much stay in the HRM suggested target zones, usually I stay in Zone 1 for half the workout and move upto Zone 2 for the 2nd half, by increasing the resistance and dropping the pace...just takes practice.

    Also when I do strength workouts I tend to spike alot as well and hit Zone 3 when doing pushups etc.
  • Crazy4Healthy
    Crazy4Healthy Posts: 626 Member
    There are many heart rate zones, which one are you trying to stay in? If you are constantly in Zone 4-5 you may want to tune it back a bit, but being in the zones for periods of times can be a very good thing. Just not sustainable for long periods. How long does it take you to get your hear rate back down? If it comes down pretty quickly, you should be fine.
  • AlessisMore
    AlessisMore Posts: 179 Member
    Most of the zones are based on a predicted maximum heart rate. The formulas used are only averages. Your own max might differ 10-15 beats per minute from the average max for your age. If you find that your heart rate consistently exceeds the upper limit for whatever zone you are targetting it may just mean your heart naturally beats more to sustain that level of activity. As long as you are healthy and don't have heart issues you should probably just use perceived exertion as your target. Alternately you can try to determine what your own maximum HR is (this is not easy) and calculate your personal zones from that.

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