Heart Rate

kbeckley11

I apologize if this issue has been discussed to death. My question is about what my target heart rate should be. When I am on the elliptical, my heart rate goes up very fast. I have read that 154bpm or so will bring me into Anaerobic category, and below that, its cardio and good for losing weight, and below that, it is good for maintaining weight. On WebMD is said I shouldn't stay in anaerobic state too long (of course, it didn't elaborate on what constitutes "too long") My problem is, I go above 154 very easily.

So my question(s) is, What bpm should I aim for? What is the benefit of going into the anaerobic category, and why shouldn't I stay there too long? What is too long?

A little background info, I am 31. I weigh 250 pounds. I want to lose 100 pounds, but want to maintain my muscle (yes, I do weights also) I recently had a check up, and I don't have high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, no diabetes (I don't know if this is pertinent information, I am adding it to be thorough in explaining background)

Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

MrsSardone

I'd like to know this too. My HR easily goes into the 180's. it usually stays between 155 - 185...if I slow down I just feel like I'm not working hard enough. And I'm never lightheaded so I don't think I'm doing damage. Or am I?

5stringjeff

http://www.active.com/fitness/calculators/heartrate/

OP: Here's the easy math. You should exercise somewhere between 55-85% of your max heart rate. You're 31, so your max HR = 220 - 31 = 189. 55% of 189 = 103, 85% of 189 = 160.

kbeckley11

Thank you for your response 5stringjeff.

@gabeandcjsmom, I also feel like I'm not working hard enough if I slow down to let my heat rate decrease.