Exercising close to max HR

steffanyjames
steffanyjames Posts: 47 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey guys.. I've been struggling with this for awhile now. I have been working out steadily since Feb 2012, and on average I'm in the gym 4-5 times a week. I do Tabata, spinning, weights, running... and have always had a pretty good fitness level. I'm not strong, but my cardio is good.

I recently became a spinning instructor and have maintained either teaching or attending 2 spinning classes a week. My AVG HR during ANY cardio workout is 170-189. I have no problem going through an entire spinning class with an avg hr of 178-189. Some of my workout peers struggle to get to 140 and when they do they are feeling like they are anarobic. I feel like I'm not anarobic until 190.

I am wondering if it's normal for me to have such a high HR while doing cardio, even after all this time? You would think it would have come down by now. I have no clue what my resting HR is.. it MUST be high for me to be able to consistently exercise at this rate. Sometimes when I START spinning I'm already at 112-116. What's the deal? Do I just have a freakishly high HR? LOL Any thoughts?
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Replies

  • TheRealParisLove
    TheRealParisLove Posts: 1,907 Member
    Unless you have had your heart rate professionally tested by an exercise philologist, you can't be sure exactly what your personal maximum is going to be. The heart rate charts are not at all scientific and are merely a guideline. The charts that you see at the gym are based on 4 young male athletes back in the 1970's.

    In otherwords, everyone is different. If you don't feel like passing out at 170-189, then you obviously have a much higher maximum than that. When you hit your max heart rate, you'll feel it!:smile:
  • OSUloulou
    OSUloulou Posts: 74 Member
    How old are you? How are you measuring your HR? With a chest strap or wrist device or some other way? It sounds like you are above the "normal" range, but I have heard that HR can vary a lot. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.
  • cad39too
    cad39too Posts: 874 Member
    Curious about the answer to this.
  • newcs
    newcs Posts: 717 Member
    Just for comparison: I'm 5'2", 27 years old, 120lbs, work out 5x a week (mostly consistently since July) and when I feel like I'm pushing but not to my max, my heart rate is in the high 180s. For what feels like a good workout, I've been staying in the upper 170s to upper 180s. Then again, I've gone over my supposed max heart rate and did not feel like I was dying. I also have asthma and a scarred lung so I'm not sure what impact that may have.
  • TheRealParisLove
    TheRealParisLove Posts: 1,907 Member
    I should also add that your maximum heart rate can increase with physical conditioning. It is your resting heart rate that will slow down once you become more fit. A higher maximum heart rate allows you to go longer and harder than those with a lower maximum.
  • JezzD1
    JezzD1 Posts: 431
    Yes I find this confusing as well I try and do HIIT workout on my elliptical meaning I go hard and fast for as long as I can then slow to catch my breath then hit it again. my max HR according to the chart is 170ish but sometimes I hit 180+ usually it is ok and I slow right around when I feel like my heart is pounding in my chest then when the pounding goes away I hit it hard again. I do this for about a half hour. Is this right or am I going to give myself a heart attack :huh:
  • iAMsmiling
    iAMsmiling Posts: 2,394 Member
    Standard, conservative formula for max HR 220 - your age.
    Lacking a professional evaluation, I'd stick to something near that to be on the safe side.

    I have my doubts that adding an extra 10 beats at the high end will do all that much for you and you might be putting yourself at risk.

    Edited because I totally blew it the first time.
  • sammyneb
    sammyneb Posts: 257
    I don't have solutions, or answers, but can tell you that you are not alone. I have been running now for a little over a year, ran a half marathon in May and have run several races since. I got a heart rate monitor this summer and noticed my heart rate was steadily around 170 when I would run. I could still talk and such, so I wasn't about to die :) but it did make me worry. I even went to the dr. and basically everything is normal (they did a CAT scan and I had a holitor monitor on for 24 hours, nothing showed up that concerned the dr.). I have a normal/low resting heart rate of 59. I think everyone is just different, if you feel fine I wouldn't worry to much about your heart rate. I have pretty much just stopped wearing my heart monitor. If I feel I'm going to fast, I just slow down :)
  • steffanyjames
    steffanyjames Posts: 47 Member
    How old are you? How are you measuring your HR? With a chest strap or wrist device or some other way? It sounds like you are above the "normal" range, but I have heard that HR can vary a lot. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

    I am 34, 5'8" and I am using a Polar F7 watch and chest strap to measure my HR. I guess I'm just wondering if others are experiencing the same 'high' HR... The only time I feel like I"m going to pass out is when I hit 192 for 30+ seconds, but I can usually manage to stay at 168-178 for a full 45 minutes and feel like I've had a really great workout.

    Hitting 150 is like a warm up for me. It sounds crazy and I was considering going to the DR to chat about it, but thought I'd get everyone's thoughts and sound somewhat educated and informed before I went asking questions. :P
  • steffanyjames
    steffanyjames Posts: 47 Member
    I don't have solutions, or answers, but can tell you that you are not alone. I have been running now for a little over a year, ran a half marathon in May and have run several races since. I got a heart rate monitor this summer and noticed my heart rate was steadily around 170 when I would run. I could still talk and such, so I wasn't about to die :) but it did make me worry. I even went to the dr. and basically everything is normal (they did a CAT scan and I had a holitor monitor on for 24 hours, nothing showed up that concerned the dr.). I have a normal/low resting heart rate of 59. I think everyone is just different, if you feel fine I wouldn't worry to much about your heart rate. I have pretty much just stopped wearing my heart monitor. If I feel I'm going to fast, I just slow down :)

    Good to know, and thanks for your reply! I was considering going to the DR too. I am curious what my resting HR is. I just thought that BY NOW it would go down from exercise because my body is used to the high intensity workouts. Guess not! lol!
  • iAMsmiling
    iAMsmiling Posts: 2,394 Member
    Corrected my formula above.

    Your max is 186, using the most conservative formula I've seen.
  • steffanyjames
    steffanyjames Posts: 47 Member
    Standard, conservative formula for max HR 220 - your age.
    Lacking a professional evaluation, I'd stick to something near that to be on the safe side.

    I have my doubts that adding an extra 10 beats at the high end will do all that much for you and you might be putting yourself at risk.

    Edited because I totally blew it the first time.

    hehe thanks :) So I guess 186 (220-34) is pretty close to what I'm hitting.. but that's a great workout to me so.....

    Ahh.. things that make you go HMMM! :)
  • weloveourboys
    weloveourboys Posts: 133 Member
    How old are you? How are you measuring your HR? With a chest strap or wrist device or some other way? It sounds like you are above the "normal" range, but I have heard that HR can vary a lot. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

    I am 34, 5'8" and I am using a Polar F7 watch and chest strap to measure my HR. I guess I'm just wondering if others are experiencing the same 'high' HR... The only time I feel like I"m going to pass out is when I hit 192 for 30+ seconds, but I can usually manage to stay at 168-178 for a full 45 minutes and feel like I've had a really great workout.

    Hitting 150 is like a warm up for me. It sounds crazy and I was considering going to the DR to chat about it, but thought I'd get everyone's thoughts and sound somewhat educated and informed before I went asking questions. :P

    Yes that sounds normal. Those numbers are very similar to what mine used to be. But you can get a max heart rate test done if you are curious. Or a lactate threshold test.
  • steffanyjames
    steffanyjames Posts: 47 Member
    Unless you have had your heart rate professionally tested by an exercise philologist, you can't be sure exactly what your personal maximum is going to be. The heart rate charts are not at all scientific and are merely a guideline. The charts that you see at the gym are based on 4 young male athletes back in the 1970's.

    In otherwords, everyone is different. If you don't feel like passing out at 170-189, then you obviously have a much higher maximum than that. When you hit your max heart rate, you'll feel it!:smile:

    You're right... I have been considering going to an exercise philologist because I'd really like to know the real numbers. LOL to the four young male athletes back in the 70's :)

    Thanks for your note!
  • steffanyjames
    steffanyjames Posts: 47 Member
    How old are you? How are you measuring your HR? With a chest strap or wrist device or some other way? It sounds like you are above the "normal" range, but I have heard that HR can vary a lot. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

    I am 34, 5'8" and I am using a Polar F7 watch and chest strap to measure my HR. I guess I'm just wondering if others are experiencing the same 'high' HR... The only time I feel like I"m going to pass out is when I hit 192 for 30+ seconds, but I can usually manage to stay at 168-178 for a full 45 minutes and feel like I've had a really great workout.

    Hitting 150 is like a warm up for me. It sounds crazy and I was considering going to the DR to chat about it, but thought I'd get everyone's thoughts and sound somewhat educated and informed before I went asking questions. :P

    Yes that sounds normal. Those numbers are very similar to what mine used to be. But you can get a max heart rate test done if you are curious. Or a lactate threshold test.

    Oh my, what the heck is a lactate threshold test? It doesn't at all sound what I think you mean it to be ha! Googling that LOL
  • celiason81
    celiason81 Posts: 57 Member
    No real answers, but I too am in the high HR boat. I use a Polar FT4 and consistently have a heart rate in the 170's when working out no problem. I get into the mid 180's for briefer periods, but don't last more than a couple minutes there. My true resting HR is 60-70's, but it jumps up over 100 quite easily. I'm a nurse, and honestly don't worry too much about it. I think as long as you can tolerate it and it returns to a lower rate easily with rest, not an issue!
  • steffanyjames
    steffanyjames Posts: 47 Member
    Yes I find this confusing as well I try and do HIIT workout on my elliptical meaning I go hard and fast for as long as I can then slow to catch my breath then hit it again. my max HR according to the chart is 170ish but sometimes I hit 180+ usually it is ok and I slow right around when I feel like my heart is pounding in my chest then when the pounding goes away I hit it hard again. I do this for about a half hour. Is this right or am I going to give myself a heart attack :huh:

    I know, right!! I often wonder if I'm going to give myself a heart attack! It's really boggling my mind these days, so I had to post and ask. I say, let's listen to the replies here, and I think you're ok, girlfriend and all the power to you for kicking it up the way you do! Way to go :)
  • steffanyjames
    steffanyjames Posts: 47 Member
    No real answers, but I too am in the high HR boat. I use a Polar FT4 and consistently have a heart rate in the 170's when working out no problem. I get into the mid 180's for briefer periods, but don't last more than a couple minutes there. My true resting HR is 60-70's, but it jumps up over 100 quite easily. I'm a nurse, and honestly don't worry too much about it. I think as long as you can tolerate it and it returns to a lower rate easily with rest, not an issue!

    Amazing.. thanks SO much for your reply, I really appreciate your feedback!
  • homemomfreda
    homemomfreda Posts: 50
    My heart rate is very similar to yours - everyone has a different peak rate. I am healthy - low blood pressure, good cholesterol, 5'2, 100 lbs. I exercise everyday. My resting heart rate is in the 60s. I have a friend, in great shape, who has to work hard to get her heart rate to 150 - 150 is a comfortable jog for me - 180's when I am running fast. I adjust my heart rate monitor for peak heart rate - and so does she - we get the same caloric burn. I have no idea if this helps you out - but if you feel healthy & good don't worry. I freak out when my HRM reads zero!! lol
  • myofibril
    myofibril Posts: 4,500 Member
    Have you considered a ramp test? They are relatively inexpensive and will give you a lot of useful data.
  • tappae
    tappae Posts: 568 Member
    I've always had a high heart rate while running, even at longer distances (usually around 170 the whole way). This year, I've intentionally started trying to run with a lower heart rate (around 140). At first, I could only barely jog and my heart rate would get over that. I would have to take walking breaks. As I've kept at it, though, I've been able to go faster and faster without any increase in perceived effort. Today, I ran 6 miles in under 58 minutes (pushing a 35+ pound stroller) and my heart rate was 132 when I stopped. 6 months ago I couldn't have done that time at all with the stroller. Today I was never even out of breath. Obviously, I don't know you, so I don't know for sure, but it may be that your will power is stronger than your cardiovascular system.
  • imkegoal
    imkegoal Posts: 156 Member
    This one caught my attention as I am also always in the high.
    When running I go as high as 198- even when I was 20.
    I do feel like I have a good work out, but don't feel like I am truly pushing my limits. But, well; I don't see the point in exercising without working up a sweat!
    I have been asked if I was Ok by gym instructors before because my head goes bright red. My dad and Sister have exactly the same problem. It doesn't stop any of us in staying active. Should it?
    What I have noticed is that I tend to get a head ache after exercising in the gym. This has resulted in me taking it a little easier. I don't have that when I give it my most when out cycling or doing other sports....
  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
    There is a wide range of "normal" when it comes to maximum heart rates. When the age-prediction formulas were developed, everyone paid attention to the "220-Age" part, and ignored the "standard of error is 10-12 beats/min" part. That means that one can have an actual max HR of 30+ beats/min higher than the "age-predicted" formula and still be in the "normal" range.

    There are some conditions under which a very high exercise heart rate can reflect an underlying problem, but those are usually characterized by a sudden and sustained increased that does not change when exertion is stopped or lowered, or by symptoms such as dizziness, inappropriate shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or chest pain.

    Heart rates by themselves out of context are normally not all that meaningful. One of the down sides of HRMs is that, without a fundamental understanding of exercise physiology, they can cause unnecessary concern for users when they see unexpected numbers.
  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
    How old are you? How are you measuring your HR? With a chest strap or wrist device or some other way? It sounds like you are above the "normal" range, but I have heard that HR can vary a lot. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

    I am 34, 5'8" and I am using a Polar F7 watch and chest strap to measure my HR. I guess I'm just wondering if others are experiencing the same 'high' HR... The only time I feel like I"m going to pass out is when I hit 192 for 30+ seconds, but I can usually manage to stay at 168-178 for a full 45 minutes and feel like I've had a really great workout.

    Hitting 150 is like a warm up for me. It sounds crazy and I was considering going to the DR to chat about it, but thought I'd get everyone's thoughts and sound somewhat educated and informed before I went asking questions. :P

    The doctor will know your physical history and so might know if there is some underlying physical issue (unlikely), but when it comes to exercise heart rate in general, I doubt that he or she will have much to offer.
  • wombat94
    wombat94 Posts: 352 Member
    I'm 43, so my 220-age would indicate a max hr of 177... A 90% level... Something that would theoretically only be able to be maintained for a few minutes would be 160.

    My max recorded hr (with a chest strap hrm) had been about 215 with no ill effects.

    Also, my hr is in the mid 160 s almost immediately when I start running and I can run for literally hours on end. I ran a half marathon a couple of weeks ago and AVERAGED 175 for the race.

    All of this is to say that the 220-hr formula has SO much variation as to be almost useless.
  • JezzD1
    JezzD1 Posts: 431
    Thanks, yea I used the calculations one of the other posters replied and my heart rate is 194 so now I have a new number to aim for :bigsmile: thanks Ladies!!:flowerforyou:
  • scorpio516
    scorpio516 Posts: 955 Member
    How old are you? How are you measuring your HR? With a chest strap or wrist device or some other way? It sounds like you are above the "normal" range, but I have heard that HR can vary a lot. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

    I am 34, 5'8" and I am using a Polar F7 watch and chest strap to measure my HR. I guess I'm just wondering if others are experiencing the same 'high' HR... The only time I feel like I"m going to pass out is when I hit 192 for 30+ seconds, but I can usually manage to stay at 168-178 for a full 45 minutes and feel like I've had a really great workout.

    Hitting 150 is like a warm up for me. It sounds crazy and I was considering going to the DR to chat about it, but thought I'd get everyone's thoughts and sound somewhat educated and informed before I went asking questions. :P

    If you can hold ~175 for 45 minutes to an hour, more than likely, thats your LTHR - lactic threshold. Using the traditional "zones", LTHR is the break between Z4 and Z5, so if your all into training by HR zone, go from that.
  • Karmarie24
    Karmarie24 Posts: 48 Member
    You may have a higher heart rate, everyone is different, and the 220 - age formula is very generic and is quite wrong for some people. You may be able to go for long periods of time in a high heart rate zone, and yes you burn more calories in that time because your heart rate is higher, but that shouldn't be every workout every time.

    I've had my heart rate zones figured out by my trainer. My resting is low, 37 and my max is 182. If I want to burn mostly fat I have to keep my heart rate around 145. If I get into the 150's and above I'm burning sugar too, and the higher my heart rate gets the less fat I burn and more sugar.

    I used to go all out all the time, and I got burned out and still was pretty flabby. By doing 3 workouts a week in my fat burning zones, and 3 workouts above that, I have really decreased my body fat percentage.
  • sammyneb
    sammyneb Posts: 257
    I don't have solutions, or answers, but can tell you that you are not alone. I have been running now for a little over a year, ran a half marathon in May and have run several races since. I got a heart rate monitor this summer and noticed my heart rate was steadily around 170 when I would run. I could still talk and such, so I wasn't about to die :) but it did make me worry. I even went to the dr. and basically everything is normal (they did a CAT scan and I had a holitor monitor on for 24 hours, nothing showed up that concerned the dr.). I have a normal/low resting heart rate of 59. I think everyone is just different, if you feel fine I wouldn't worry to much about your heart rate. I have pretty much just stopped wearing my heart monitor. If I feel I'm going to fast, I just slow down :)

    Good to know, and thanks for your reply! I was considering going to the DR too. I am curious what my resting HR is. I just thought that BY NOW it would go down from exercise because my body is used to the high intensity workouts. Guess not! lol!

    The best way to find your resting heart rate..is wear you heart rate monitor to bed, and first thing you do when you wake up (before you get out of bed) check your heart ate, it is the closest you are going to get :)
  • lisamichelle123
    lisamichelle123 Posts: 34 Member
    I use a HRM. I consider myself a fit cyclist, and spin/cycle 10+ hours a week, doing HIIT. I completed a 90km (half-ironman - 56ish miles) race in 3hours today, averaging 176bpm with a max of 199bpm. My resting heart rate is usually about 48bpm, and rarely goes above about 54bpm. Also, I will drop from a high intensity interval bpm up near 200 (I can hit 210-220 if I reeeeeally push) to about 130 within 30-60secs. As you get fitter, you can push higher heart rates but the tell-tale signs of increased fitness are a faster reduction in heart rate after hard work, and a lower resting heart rate.

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