Can't get my heart rate up....

Losing2Live69
Losing2Live69 Posts: 743 Member
edited September 25 in Fitness and Exercise
I recently bought a heart rate monitor. I think it put the target heart rate on 95 to 155. My resting heart rate is around 60-64. Last November my resting heart rate was 92. Now, I can't get my heart rate up over 115 or so. I've only been exercising since February. I can run laps around the gym or do Zumba and it still doesn't go up over 115. I had a stress test last year where they monitored my heart while I ran on a treadmill while it was inclined. My heart rate got up to 160 within 3 to 5 minutes. Once I hopped off the treadmill and laid down for the ultrasound of my heart my heart recovered back to my resting heart rate within 7 minutes or so. Now, however, I can't seem to get my heart rate up very high. I have lost almost 30 pounds since my stress test last year. I have also been exercising at least 5 days a week. Could it just be because I have lost some weight and I am in better shape? I know the higher your heart rate is, the more calories you will burn. I want my heart rate to increase more during exercise so I will burn more...I just don't know how to get it there.

Replies

  • BobbyDaniel
    BobbyDaniel Posts: 1,459 Member
    I would guess it is better conditioning. I started running last fall and now I tend to have a resting heart rate in 40's-50's. Last night I walked in our Relay for Life and it took me about 20 minutes of fast walking to get my HR up to 100. So, it could be better conditioning. If you are feeling dizzy, light headed or weak though...go see your doctor!
  • mytime60
    mytime60 Posts: 176 Member
    Make sure your heart rate monitor is working. Because your rate has been up before it sounds more like equipment not working. That said there are some people that can not elevate there heart rate easily. I have a friend that can't get her heart rate up also. Even in a hospital where they were doing the stress test, they had to chemically induce her heart rate up. After 40 minutes of a 4.0 on a treadmill she never goes over a 70.
  • dawny78
    dawny78 Posts: 132 Member
    My heart rate has gone down since i have been exercising but to get it up i do some hill work or sprints your body will get use to the work outs so put some extra effort in your have to push yourself more or maybe chill for a bit and then crack on with the workouts . Good luck and get the heart rate monitor looked at as well :) just incase its not working properly .
  • DawnHeffernan
    DawnHeffernan Posts: 13
    Well done you..I use a heart rate monitor and some days it feels easier to get my heart rate up than others..but I know if I work hard it will go up..it has too.. you probably know this but there is a time lag betwen you putting in the effort and the rise in heart rate..get on the treadmil, gradually increase the pace (after a warm up) and see what happens after 10-15mins..I used to think "but my heart rate won't go higher" now I know its cos I haven't given it long enough or worked hard enough. Hope this helps...don't be scared to push yourself.
  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    It is most likely lost weight and increased fitness. If you are still running the same speed you were before then it is normal. You will need to increase your speed to get the same training effect (heart rate) you got before.

    A decreased resting heart rate is also expected with increased fitness. Your heart no longer has to work as hard to deliver the necessary oxygen to your muscles.
  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    Another possible cause is if you have been overtraining and are in a state of exhaustion. If you feel tired all the time and your legs feel heavy then this might be the case. If so, reduce your training for a few weeks and let your body rest and catch up. If not, then continue on as before.
  • JennsLosing
    JennsLosing Posts: 1,026
    also just a thought, it depends on your age too on what your target heart rate is suppose to be ...like my target heart rate is suppose to be anywhere from 95-162...http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4736
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