Target Heart Rate....Problems....UGH!

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faithchange
faithchange Posts: 311 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
OK. So, I'm a pretty avid workout person. Basically, I LOVE working out! I workout generally 6X a week, sometimes 7, but that extra day is like a slower Zumba or a walk, maybe even yoga.

Well, I am struggling with keeping my heart rate in its 85% zone. I break a good sweat and everything, but find myself constantly in the 110-135 bpm zone. My aerobic zone is 140-158 which I'm only in for a little here and there during my workout. UGH!

I'm still burning 500-800 calories on average for the day, however it is a 1-2 hours workout....a lot of the workouts are cardio: P90X, running/jogging/zumba, cleaning the house, mowing the lawn, ect.....that I log.

I feel like I could probably burn more calories in less time, if I get more into an intensity.? How do I really do this? HELP! LOL.

Wondered if there were any other people out there struggling with the same issues.

Thanks~!

Replies

  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    You have to work harder, i.e. run faster. Some of those things though such as cleaning, mowing, and maybe Zumba are never going to raise your heartrate that high now that you are fit.
  • faithchange
    faithchange Posts: 311 Member
    Am I still burning calories and able to lose more weight and inches though, with what I am doing? I'm trying to get the heart rate up with all my activities I'm doing. I'm finding it just my hardest feat! That's why I'm seeking the help. Also, why the heck am I still sweating like crazy with these workouts....clothes, hair, ect? I must be doing something right. ? Sorry...just bummed out a bit.
  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    You are still burning calories at a lower heartrate because after normalizing for any weight change your body is still doing the same amount of work to move itself, but because you are fit it feels much easier.

    With your running you can now either go faster or longer or both and burn more calories than you were burning before.

    There is no downside to gaining cardiovascular fitness.

    I would guess that one reason you are sweating so much is that it's hot outside and your body needs to sweat more to cool itself.
  • zombilishious
    zombilishious Posts: 1,250 Member
    What I think you are experiencing are the signs of a very healthy heart. What is your resting HR now? I bet it's lower than it used to be. As for the sweat, fit people are much more efficient at sweating to keep the body cool. Don't be bummed out. You are nailing killer calorie burns and you will continue to lose more weight and inches.

    Are you doing any weight training or just cardio? Weight training is a key element to losing inches and maintaining metabolism.
  • LindsayE007
    LindsayE007 Posts: 212 Member
    I am in really good cardiovascular shape (run about 20-25 miles a week) and I find it very hard to get my heart rate up. I almost never get into zone 3. I have just accepted it and moved on. My resting heart rate is like 48.
  • faithchange
    faithchange Posts: 311 Member
    I believe that my resting heart rate is 60 and yes, I am doing weight/resistance band training a few times a week. Currently do the P90X challenge.

    I will pick myself and just keep doing what I'm doing. On days that I feel like I can do Higher intensity, I will push. It is tough...a new challenge.
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