I Got Told Gym Won't Help Me Lose Weight

leeslim4life

I have a question about the Age Target HR Zone.
I use a HRM & I set my target low to 60% & high to 85%. How do I know if this is right for me? My avg Heart Beats per Min is supposed to be 188 but I have no clue what that is percentage wise. Anyone know? Your help is appreciated, thank you! :flowerforyou:

34at35

I have a question about the Age Target HR Zone.
I use a HRM & I set my target low to 60% & high to 85%. How do I know if this is right for me? My avg Heart Beats per Min is supposed to be 188 but I have no clue what that is percentage wise. Anyone know? Your help is appreciated, thank you! :flowerforyou:

If 188 is the avg max rate for your age (you must be around 32-33 yrs old) then 60% would be about 113 bpm and 85% would be about 160bpm. If yours is between those 2 numbers while you are working out you are burning fat.

leeslim4life

I have a question about the Age Target HR Zone.
I use a HRM & I set my target low to 60% & high to 85%. How do I know if this is right for me? My avg Heart Beats per Min is supposed to be 188 but I have no clue what that is percentage wise. Anyone know? Your help is appreciated, thank you! :flowerforyou:

If 188 is the avg max rate for your age (you must be around 32-33 yrs old) then 60% would be about 113 bpm and 85% would be about 160bpm. If yours is between those 2 numbers while you are working out you are burning fat.

Yes, that's correct, I am 32yrs old!
Oh, so I am good then right? That's what I need to do is burn fat!!!!
I thank you so much for your feedback!!!

kawade80

Do not get demotivated. Here's a nice description of target heart rates from the American Heart Association that should help you.

Target Heart Rates

AHA Recommendation
Health professionals know the importance of proper pacing during exercise. To receive the benefits of physical activity, it's important not to tire too quickly. Pacing yourself is especially important if you've been inactive.

Target heart rates let you measure your initial fitness level and monitor your progress in a fitness program. This approach requires measuring your pulse periodically as you exercise and staying within 50 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate. This range is called your target heart rate.

What is an alternative to target heart rates?

Some people can't measure their pulse or don't want to take their pulse when exercising. If this is true for you, try using a "conversational pace" to monitor your efforts during moderate activities like walking. If you can talk and walk at the same time, you aren't working too hard. If you can sing and maintain your level of effort, you're probably not working hard enough. If you get out of breath quickly, you're probably working too hard — especially if you have to stop and catch your breath.

When should I use the target heart rate?

If you participate in more-vigorous activities like brisk walking and jogging, the "conversational pace" approach may not work. Then try using the target heart rate. It works for many people, and it's a good way for health professionals to monitor your progress.

The table below shows estimated target heart rates for different ages. Look for the age category closest to yours, then read across to find your target heart rate.

Age Target HR Zone
50–85 % Average Maximum Heart Rate 100 %
20 years 100–170 beats per minute 200 beats per minute
25 years 98–166 beats per minute 195 beats per minute
30 years 95–162 beats per minute 190 beats per minute
35 years 93–157 beats per minute 185 beats per minute
40 years 90–153 beats per minute 180 beats per minute
45 years 88–149 beats per minute 175 beats per minute
50 years 85–145 beats per minute 170 beats per minute
55 years 83–140 beats per minute 165 beats per minute
60 years 80–136 beats per minute 160 beats per minute
65 years 78–132 beats per minute 155 beats per minute
70 years 75–128 beats per minute 150 beats per minute

Your maximum heart rate is about 220 minus your age. The figures above are averages, so use them as general guidelines.

Note: A few high blood pressure medications lower the maximum heart rate and thus the target zone rate. If you're taking such medicine, call your physician to find out if you need to use a lower target heart rate.

How should I pace myself?

When starting an exercise program, aim at the lowest part of your target zone (50 percent) during the first few weeks. Gradually build up to the higher part of your target zone (75 percent). After six months or more of regular exercise, you may be able to exercise comfortably at up to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate. However, you don't have to exercise that hard to stay in shape.

Thank you for posting this, my husband and I were just talking about how to figure this out today.