Question about Heart Rates

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happycauseIride
happycauseIride Posts: 536 Member
edited January 3 in Fitness and Exercise
A strange situation occurred over the weekend and that brought up some questions. I hope someone can enlighten me.

A little history on me...I'm 5'6", 37 yo, female. Started losing weight on August 7 and am now down 30 pounds with 100 more to go. I started by walking on my treadmill. I could barely make it 20 minutes when I first started. I was out of breath, my legs hurt etc. I kept at it and now I'm walking 2 1/2 miles every day, minimum and am I am on Week 3 of a C25K program. I have also been doing some weight lifting with free weights, but mostly squats, lunges, crunches and things like that. I work out every day. I bought a HRM a month ago and love it. It's a Polar FT7.

So, 3 weeks ago I went for a walk outside. I ended up going for 4 miles that day. I watched my HR and it was 130-140 most of the time, which is a normal range for me on the treadmill. I walked the 4 miles in 68 minutes, so decent pace. Then, I went for the same 4 mile walk this weekend, but no matter how fast I walked, I could not get my HR over 120. I was feeling good, no aches or pains, had energy and all that. I knocked 3 minutes off my time so I was walking faster then the last time. So I guess that leads me to ask in that three weeks, I started C25K, does that mean that my HR is lower due to being in better shape or was I just not working as hard as I thought I was?

Replies

  • Chief_Rocka
    Chief_Rocka Posts: 4,710 Member
    you're in better shape
  • puckers82
    puckers82 Posts: 200 Member
    Your in better shape than you was before!

    Its the same for me with my jogging, just a few weeks in and my HR isnt as high as when i first started. Its amazing how quick it can happen!
  • Erienneb
    Erienneb Posts: 592 Member
    Your heart rate can vary a bit day to day. I have days where it's impossible to get my HR up and then days where no matter how slow I walk it sky rockets. The better you feel and healthier you are, the harder you have to work to increase it I think. At least, that's how it is with me.
  • DebbieLyn63
    DebbieLyn63 Posts: 2,654 Member
    You will better your cardio health very quickly with consistent exercise. So yes, could be you have become that much more efficient in your workouts. I have found also that outside temperature changes makes a difference. And also, what you are doing before you start walking will make a difference. If you go from resting to walking, it takes awhile for your heartrate to increase, but it you already have your HR up in the zone before you start, it will go higher more quickly, often without even realizing it.
  • happycauseIride
    happycauseIride Posts: 536 Member
    Thank you for the response. I guess I didn't think I would see that big of a change in such a short time.
  • disasterman
    disasterman Posts: 746 Member
    you're in better shape

    ^ Probably this.
  • LuckyCheryl
    LuckyCheryl Posts: 71 Member
    Absolutely, its that you are getting into shape. I also am experiencing the same thing. I started running 12 weeks ago and now have a hard time getting my HR over 120 unless I am running uphill....Love this but miss all the high calorie counts that I used to burn. Now I must exercise for a longer periods of time in order to burn substantial number of calories. Therefore, I have reduced my calorie intake by not eating back my exercise calories.
  • Hezzietiger1
    Hezzietiger1 Posts: 1,256 Member
    Add a few sprints in here and there to increase your heart rate. U will burn more cals that way.
  • chunkiedunker
    chunkiedunker Posts: 144 Member
    yep, you're in better shape. i started c25k a while ago and when i first started i would burn crazy amounts. my first week it would be nothing to burn 1500 calories doing c25k. now that im up to week 5, im down to burning 900 cals per run. im running more than i am walking now but burning less.

    It happened quick too. i guess a congrats is in order for you. it is a good thing.
  • mfpcopine
    mfpcopine Posts: 3,093 Member
    If you exert yourself you ought to be able to get your heart rate up over 120 pretty easily.

    If you have questions, get a stress test.
  • dreilingda
    dreilingda Posts: 122 Member
    Most likely you're just in better shape but you might also have been more well rested. If it's cooler outside then that will make a difference as well.
  • MsTanya77
    MsTanya77 Posts: 357 Member
    I have a hard time getting a high heart rate unless I do HIIT workouts or some other type of interval training. My resting heart rate can be in the high 50's to low 60's and even though I feel my heart pounding sometimes my heart rate doesn't even hit 120. :(
  • 2BhappyBhealthy
    2BhappyBhealthy Posts: 181 Member
    Add a few sprints in here and there to increase your heart rate. U will burn more cals that way.

    Yes! This ^^

    You are in better shape, it WILL vary from day to day -- and doing random bursts to increase your heart rate will make a huge difference in the calorie burn. Plus I bet you start running before you know it.. Don't know if you walk to music or not but if you do - just wait for that one super awesome pump you up song comes on while you're out there and I DARE YOU to not run ;)

    Congratulations! You are now in the snowball of progression! Keep it UP!! It will just keep getting easier and better along the way. Have fun!!!
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