Maximum heart rate

Posts: 12,390
11/22/12 7:50 P

Target heart rates are based on broad population averages. And like most 'averages' they are a pretty good predictor for about 1/3 of the population, somewhat useful for another 1/3, and a less useful predictor for the remaining 1/3. It is unusual, but not unheard of for some people to get heart rates of 200+ during intense exercise.

But the fact that you are seeing this in a LIGHT jog, and not seeing a high heart rate from brisk walking makes me wonder whether the impact and vibration of running is leading to poor contact between the unit and your skin, and causing it to report a higher hear rate than you actually have. Ensure the unit is clean and securely attached to you.

You may also want to check these heart rates against what you record walking uphill, and also whether a manual check of your pulse while jogging also produces a heart rate of 200 plus (stop jogging briefly and check your pulse - 200 bpm should give you over 30 beats in a 10 second count).

I agree with Coach Jen - the Rate of Perceived Exertion is a good guide. www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_artic
les.asp?id=1044

But if after trying the above, you still get a heart rate of 200 bpm, you many want to talk about this with your doctor, just to be sure. In many cases this is completely normal, but in some it can indicate a problem.

M@L

current weight: 178.0

220 203.5 187 170.5

154

Posts: 51,597
11/22/12 11:14 A

Target heart rate is an average calculation that doesn't work for everyone. Therefore, I'd encourage you to use the Talk Test or Rate of Perceived Exertion to help determine the intensity level of your workout instead of heart rate.

Hope that helps,

Coach Jen

SparkPoints: (14,121)
Fitness Minutes: (15,768)
Posts: 300
11/22/12 10:35 A

I am just starting to try and take up running/jogging. It's always been difficult for me.
I have a HRM (polar FT4) and when I run, my heart rate spikes to my maximum (200 bpm).
Is this safe? is it possible that this isn't my maximum?
It was a VERY light jog. Nice, easy and slow... so that i can build up to more. But my heart rate was sort of scaring me.

Is there a way to find out my ranges?
I know my resting rate is higher than average because my blood pressure is so low.

I bought my HRM as a tool to lose weight, andI can easily do a brisk walk for 45 minutes, but it doesn't seem to affect my heart, cardio, or weight like I was hoping. I need to boost the intensity.

current weight: 144.0

152 145.75 139.5 133.25

127