Going over max heart rate

zaithyr

I have a question: my heart rate target zone (at least according to my hrm) is between 125-175. I've just recently started running and my heart rate always goes up to 180+ when I'm running and my hrm starts flashing at me for being out of my zone. I am only able to run shorter stints at the moment because I do get dizzy if I push it too hard but is it that much of a concern when my heart rate goes that high (as in, should I take it a bit easier lol).

Pebble321

I'd say that you should be guided by how you feel. If you are getting dizzy, then definitely ease off a bit, but if you are feeling fine and not noticing any effects, then don't slow down just because of the numbers.

Those target heart rate zones are just estimates and don't apply to everyone.
I should be dead (or 30 years younger!) according to those numbers. I've tried a whole bunch of formulas and my max heart rate should (apparently) be anywhere from 165 - 179. I regularly record numbers over 180 - even over 200 sometimes, which would only be "right' if I was 15 years old!

You might find this page an interesting read:
http://www.brianmac.co.uk/maxhr.htm
Oh, this one is interesting too:
http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/exercising-beyond-my-maximum-heart-rate-safe

DopeItUp

I'd say that you should be guided by how you feel. If you are getting dizzy, then definitely ease off a bit, but if you are feeling fine and not noticing any effects, then don't slow down just because of the numbers.

Those target heart rate zones are just estimates and don't apply to everyone.
I should be dead (or 30 years younger!) according to those numbers. I've tried a whole bunch of formulas and my max heart rate should (apparently) be anywhere from 165 - 179. I regularly record numbers over 180 - even over 200 sometimes, which would only be "right' if I was 15 years old!

You might find this page an interesting read:
http://www.brianmac.co.uk/maxhr.htm
Oh, this one is interesting too:
http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/exercising-beyond-my-maximum-heart-rate-safe

Good post, couldn't have said it any better. As you get better conditioned you'll find that your heart rate will come down a bit and/or you will be able to sustain higher heart rates for longer. I too have seen 200 with no ill effects, though I can't sustain it for long.

htimpaired

I always wonder about HR, it seems my perceived rate of exertion does not match up to my heart rate. ie. they usually tell you to work out hard enough that you can eek out some brief sentences but not carry on a full conversation without getting breathless. When I feel like that, my HRM usually tells me I'm around the 160-170s. I'm 32, and would have thought I'm in good shape since I've been regularly working out for the past three years, and for 7 years before that (there was a 3 year hiatis in there). When my HRM says 170+ I don't usually feel dizzy. But I would have thought that with all my exercising my HR would have come down by now. Maybe this is my baseline?

seaKind

Those target heart rate zones are just estimates and don't apply to everyone.
I should be dead (or 30 years younger!) according to those numbers. I've tried a whole bunch of formulas and my max heart rate should (apparently) be anywhere from 165 - 179. I regularly record numbers over 180 - even over 200 sometimes, which would only be "right' if I was 15 years old!

thanks- i needed that (& will be checking out those ref pgs next!) I am a lifelong exerciser, fairly fit (my RHR is 65ish), and have always thought my exercising heart rate was running a little higher than the norm. I just got a HRM and found that I was spot on with my suspicions. my max HR should be 182 according to the equation, but I feel like i have just started pushing hard (RPE of about 8) at the 190 mark. Anyone know what implications this may have on calories burned?

BrianSharpe

I have a question: my heart rate target zone (at least according to my hrm) is between 125-175. I've just recently started running and my heart rate always goes up to 180+ when I'm running and my hrm starts flashing at me for being out of my zone. I am only able to run shorter stints at the moment because I do get dizzy if I push it too hard but is it that much of a concern when my heart rate goes that high (as in, should I take it a bit easier lol).

Two words.........slow down. Feeling dizzy while running is not a good thing.

The zones your HRM uses are only estimates (they're normally based on 220-your age as maxHR which is not that accurate). The majority of your runs should be at a conversational pace (ie you can carry on a conversation), if that means running very slowly and taking walk breaks then that's what you do. If it means just walking for now that's what you do.

The dizziness thing still bothers me, did you discuss your new fitness program with your primary health care provider? Is there a history of heart disease etc in your family?

Pedal_Pusher

All it means is that you've reached your anaerobic threshold.

Dave198lbs

there is no way you should rely on any advice here regarding how hard you should train in regards to your maximum heart rate.

does it even seem to be a reasonable thing to do?

if you are feeling dizzy while exercising you should slow down or stop.

Every exercise program tells you to see your doctor first.

go see your doctor.

iAMsmiling

There are a number of different ways of calculating max hr, so no, it's not that accurate.
On the other hand, why push it? I can't believe you're getting a great deal more benefit at 105% of max hr vs 95%.

Of course, the dizzyness is another story. Definitely back off from there and consider seeing your doctor.