Gym Workout Heart Rate Okay ?

graelwyn
graelwyn Posts: 1,340 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
First time at the gym today, first time ever using a treadmill/elliptical, etc.

Did 40 minutes straight on the treadmill at around 9-9.6km/hour and my heart rate was averaging 75-80% of my max for my age(37) at 140bpm.

On the elliptical it hit about 150-155bpm (around 83-88% of max).


Is this okay and safe ?

Replies

  • jasonheyd
    jasonheyd Posts: 524 Member
    That looks about right to me, but I'm no expert. Here's a link that has some relevant info though:

    http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise-intensity/SM00113
  • graelwyn
    graelwyn Posts: 1,340 Member
    Thanks
  • griffis03
    griffis03 Posts: 1 Member
    There is a good article on Concept2 (the rowing machine people) about heart rate and intensity (link below)

    http://concept2.co.uk/weightloss/chewing_the_fat

    Rule of thumb do you feel ok? Could you hold a conversation?Heart rate zones are a guide as is the max might be more or less for different people but you are well under your max so should be ok. Is there an instructor in the gym you can speak to?
  • graelwyn
    graelwyn Posts: 1,340 Member
    There are personal trainers you can 'rent' for slots, and general staff. I didn't get round to asking about my heart rate, didn't think of it when I asked a personal trainer to check my bodyfat %. I didn't find breathing difficult really, and could have talked while doing what I was doing though.
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    There isn't really an unsafe rate unless you overexert yourself and pass out and smack your face on something. Your body will let you know if you're going too fast. Having said that, if you can talk no problem then you're probably going too slow. Then again it's a matter of what your goals are.
  • gregpack
    gregpack Posts: 426 Member
    In all likelihood you'll be fine. There are benefits to bringing your heart rate close to 100%. I get mine in the 170s on a regular basis and I'm in my late 40s. Listen to your body. If you feel weak or dizzy slow it down.
  • graelwyn
    graelwyn Posts: 1,340 Member
    In all likelihood you'll be fine. There are benefits to bringing your heart rate close to 100%. I get mine in the 170s on a regular basis and I'm in my late 40s. Listen to your body. If you feel weak or dizzy slow it down.

    Reassuring to know. I am building it up as I have mild COPD(emphysema) and don't want to overstrain myself.
    I could have gone faster, but I was put off by not wanting to go out of my zone on my heart rate monitor lol.
  • Lesley2901
    Lesley2901 Posts: 372 Member
    http://exercise.about.com/cs/fitnesstools/l/bl_THR.htm

    This gives you a calculator to find your target heart rate during exercise.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    If otherwise healthy, if you didn't pass out or puke you can keep going.
  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
    In all likelihood you'll be fine. There are benefits to bringing your heart rate close to 100%. I get mine in the 170s on a regular basis and I'm in my late 40s. Listen to your body. If you feel weak or dizzy slow it down.

    Reassuring to know. I am building it up as I have mild COPD(emphysema) and don't want to overstrain myself.
    I could have gone faster, but I was put off by not wanting to go out of my zone on my heart rate monitor lol.

    The heart rate "zones" are just general settings. They may or may not be relevant for any individual. It's important to keep in mind that HRMs are "passive" devices--i.e. they are only as accurate as the information that is programmed into them. It may take a while to learn about your individual heart rate response to exercise and then you can program your HRM with the correct information -- for you. Until then, don't let the HRM control your workouts--it's not that smart.

    With COPD, your symptoms will most likely determine your exercise limits (unless you have gotten other more specific directions from your doctor.
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