High Heart Rate

zerkleoflife
zerkleoflife Posts: 2
edited November 8 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm trying to lose weight through diet and exercise, so I've been doing some research, but I want opinions...

I have a naturally high Resting Heart Rate (90-100 bpm) that increases quickly when I exert minimum effort (125-140 during a warm-up) and increases throughout my workout (today I got it up in the 170s for half of my cardio workout). I figured out that my Target Heart Rate for burning fat and losing weight is 120-140.

Does this mean I should only do "warm ups" so I burn fat and lose weight? Or should I do cardio to strengthen my heart? Will I still burn fat if I surpass the designated "fat burning zone?"

[Extra info: I'm a 20-year-old female, 5'4.5", and 138 lbs. I weighed 105-115 in high school (and was the same height) and recently gained weight from mood stabilizers, but my average Resting Heart Rate has been the same for as long as I can remember.]

Replies

  • hermann341
    hermann341 Posts: 443 Member
    "Perceived level of effort" How did you feel with your heart rate in the 170s? I know I need to be going at my top speed to get my heart rate that high. However, my resting heart rate is in the 50s. If you feel like you could go faster/harder, you're probably OK in the 170s. There's a lot of discussion on these boards as to whether or not fat burning zones actually exist. The longer you are able to maintain a given heart rate, the more calories you will burn, and the more weight you will lose.
  • tomcornhole
    tomcornhole Posts: 1,084 Member
    Have you talked to a doc about that unusually high resting heart rate?
  • Sweetvirgo63
    Sweetvirgo63 Posts: 119 Member
    I'm with tomcornhole - your resting heart rate is unusually high. My heart rate goes to the 170 - 180 range when I'm running on a treadmill at 9.0 km/hr [5.5 mph] but my resting heart rate is 69-70. My husband who is a smoker and sedentary and doesn't exercise at all has a resting heart rate of 84 and he's 58. I would speak to my doctor if I were you and possibly get referred to a cardiologist as a precaution to eliminate undiagnosed conditions.
  • mommyofjan
    mommyofjan Posts: 65 Member
    I have the same thing. I have an appointment to see my doctor about it. I was also diagnosed with low iron. I'm not sure if the two things are related though. I was told by my doctor to not exert myself until they know what is going on.
  • getalife9353
    getalife9353 Posts: 100 Member
    Do an internet search for "Physical Activity Readiness questionnaire". It's a self-screening questionnaire that can help you determine if you need to consult a doctor before starting an exercise program. If in doubt, see your doctor anyway. While your resting heart rate is on the high side, it is not outside of the norm.
    From the Mayo Clinic: A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats a minute.
    I would do cardio to improve your cardio fitness. If you have not been active, you will likely find you heart rate improving in a few weeks of moderate cardio. I personally would not give any thought to the "fat burning zone". In my experience, If you are doing some activity that you will be doing for hours, then keeping your heart rate in the "fat burning zone" will allow you do go for hours. But otherwise, get your heart rate up and improve your cardio fitness.
  • GothyFaery
    GothyFaery Posts: 762 Member
    My resting heart rate is normally in the 90's as well. My doc isn't worried about it anymore. At first he thought there was something wrong but after checking it over and over again and continuing to get the same thing he decided that's just how I am. I've even had a heart stress test done. He said as long as my resting rate doesn't go far over 100 (115 was his example) I'm fine.

    As far as your question, I really couldn't tell you what would be the best target zone for you to burn fat. I like to push myself as hard as I can during cardio though and just say to hell with that the heart rate says.
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