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Gary
AR
Member Since:
04/13/2006 Total Posts: 715
2.1 Years Ago
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Suzi,
I think most of your posts have been in the 12 week challenge threads, am I wrong?
Well, anyway, here is my take on your question. A person's cardio improves with exercise. With time the heart rate goes down for the same level of intensity and you have to increase your level of intensity in order to increase your heart rate.
For example, when I first began in April I could only jog less than a quarter mile before my HR hit 80% of max. In August, I could jog 3 miles and never reach 80% HR max. Thus, my cardio had improved. Also, it is important to find your HRmax to within 5 beats or so. What I thought was my HRmax on paper was not true. My HRmax is 175, but when I first started and used calculations it was 164.
Anyway, that is my explanation. |
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Beverly
MO
Member Since:
05/31/2005 Total Posts: 1143
2.1 Years Ago
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Gary, great explanation!
Suzi, the Polar website explains this in depth. Here's a link:
http://www.polarusa.com/targetzone/default.asp for figuring mhr (max heart rate) out. Another good site is:
http://www.bodyforlife2.com/max_heart_rate.htm
Basically, you cannot rely on just the 'formula' as every body is different. It is a good starting point but, I found, if I used it only I'd be moving way less. I hope this helps. |
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Gary
AR
Member Since:
04/13/2006 Total Posts: 715
2.1 Years Ago
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Using the age approximations are just estimations. Some are close some are not. I think the older the person the more inaccurate the age calculations are. Using those formulas I would have a 164 HRmax. I have cycled up a hill and have hit 175. So, if by using the age formulas I should have died. Running hills is a good actual test to find your HRmax. Examples of hill running to test your HRmax can be found in several books.
Also, as you improve your fitness cardio your AT or anaerobic threshold changes. As John mentioned, resting HR is a good measure of fitness as well. Use your HR monitor as a tool and listen to your body. |
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Marlene H.
CA
Member Since:
03/16/2006 Total Posts: 106
2.1 Years Ago
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Suzi...I worry about your shortness of breath..I worked in Cardiac Intensive Care for 14 years and this is nothing to fool with...at least get a stress test..Congestive heart failure will show up on this...I am not trying to scare you but please see your doctor about this asap....some things just will not go away by themselves no matter what you do and we need you here on FJ...I for one need your support. Take care of yourself...in friendship, Marlene |
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