heart rate and calories burned

fitmom4ever · February 2011

I just can't seem to get my heart rate up while I am working out. I am 23 years old, 5'5" small framed and 120 (yay me, down 8 pounds since joining). I can be running the fastest my treadmill at home will go (5.5 mph) and sweating my butt off, but my heart rate will stay between 80 and 90. Even at the gym on the better equipment I will run 7 mph with an incline of 8 and 60% resistance and feel like I'm about to die, and the highest my heart rate gets is 120. I don't know why this is or if it is healthy. I am also wondering if there is a link between this and the fact that I will only burn between 150 and 200 calories per 20 - 30 minute workout. I see other people with similar workouts that will burn almost 3 times as many calories. What am I doing wrong? The weight is coming off and I am really more concerned with toning and general health, being in shape now. Is it healthy that my heart rate is so low?

thoffmann02 · February 2011

Could it be a problem with the heart rate monitor you are using? If you are using the same one all the time, have someone else try yours and see what results they get.

fantm · February 2011

My friend has this problem, and I think it's because she truly has nothing extra to burn. She's like 5'8" and 98 lbs - I think she's got an eating disorder... but her HRM only shows her maxing out at like 80.

At 5'5" and 120, you are probably where you should be. Maybe you're just really in shape!

yyzdnl · February 2011

How are you taking your heart rate have you tried checking in manually?

Are you on any medications? If so look them up on net it may be a side effect. I was on atenolol and my heart rate wouldn't go over 120.

Hopefully others can help you out or check with your doctor.

kappyblu · February 2011

I would burn more calories in your workout because I am heavier. That explains why some people's calorie burns seem huge compared to yours. Are you using a heart rate monitor? If not, consider investing in one. There is definitely a link in your heart rate and calories burned, but I don't see you doing anything wrong. It is just the fact that it gets harder to lose the smaller you get. I would go to the doctor if I were you with your concerns. He/she will be able to answer them best about your heart rate and what you can do to get your heart rate up during a workout. Good luck!! :flowerforyou:

whouwannab · February 2011

I am 35, 5'4 and 118 lbs. According to MFP I burn 184 calories for 25 minutes of circuit training, which is what I consider the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. I do not have a HRM and would like to get one that would also show calories burned to see how the numbers compare to MFP.

fitmom4ever · February 2011

Thanks for the suggestions. Extra note: I am not on any medications. Also, I don't have a HRM right now, but have been using the ones on the gym equipment and my treadmill. Each of the different machines I use show the same results, so I don't think it is faulty equipment either. The idea that I may actually be in really good shape is very much appreciated, but I have very little muscle definition right now, and that is what I am looking for. I would accept gaining pounds if that meant looking more like Jillian.

rileysowner · February 2011

There could be many causes of this. Make sure the Heart Rate Monitor is accurate by trying to take your pulse manually, or if the treadmill has an on demand heart rate measure by gripping some handles of something, see if that matches up to your heart rate monitor. Second, as mentioned, certain medications such as beta-blockers will regulate heart rate. I am on a beta-blocker and at times it will hinder my heart rate from going up. If your heart rate monitor seems accurate based on manually checking your pulse or the heart rate monitor on the machine you are working out on, I would check with your doctor. I don't think it would be anything major, but I would rather have it checked out rather than find out later when it may be worse. BTW, even things like hydration can effect this, so giving an answer without a lot more information would be difficult.

rileysowner · February 2011

You answered while I was typing my reply. In that case, check with your doctor.

fitmom4ever · February 2011

Thanks all! A HRM is on the top of my wish list now & I have made an appointment to see my dr in early March. Thanks for the info, I didn't realize that calorie burns were custom to each person rather than each activity. Keeping that in mind I will just workout to the best of my ability & be happy with the results that I get. And hope the dr tells me my heart is super healthy

heart rate and calories burned

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