We hear a lot about heart rate in the fitness world and on shows like the Biggest Loser. Should you do HIIT (high intensity interval training) or should you keep your heart rate in the "fat burning mode", let's be honest, it can all be a bit confusing.
One day we hear "keep your heart rate up to blast off the fat", and the next thing we hear them saying is "keep your heart rate in the "fat burning" range". The very next day they are telling you that there is no such thing as a fat burning zone. Oy Vey, what's a person supposed to believe? It can leave your head spinning like the wheels of your bike after you crash and burn headlong into your neighbors hedge. True story, only the hedge may or may not be fictional.
Running For Fitness is a great place to find out what your "zones" are. Just plug in your numbers and it will break down your zones into 4 segments and explain each one.
Heart.com has a great chart explaining heart rate basics.
Top End Sports explains how to measure your heart rate, and this method can be used for resting or exercise heart rates. I personally use this method.
Heart rate monitors are the best for measuring and recording your heart rate during exercise.
REI has a great article on how to choose your heart rate monitor as well as who can benefit from having one. I know a lot of runners who use fitbit, polar fit, body bug etc...the list is seemingly endless. LIVESTRONG gives a great article on what heart rate monitors do and what would be best for you.
Anyone can use a heart rate monitor. Not everyone needs a heart rate monitor. Some hrm's can be frustrating, some can be easy peasy, I can't tell you which one you would like, you'll just have to go research that yourself. I have yet to plunk down my money for one...I think I'll just stick to the old school way of counting heartbeats for 10 seconds and multiplying by 12.
Blessings and hugs to all who came by to read my running blog today. May you have sunshine on your shoulder (be sure to wear sunscreen) and joy in your life today and while your at it, spread some of that joy around.
Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck.
"Limitations only exist if you let them"
© 2013 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.
Thank you for the links Shannon! It is confusing and frustrating, much like when they tell you a certain food has great health benefits and then they tell you that same food is super bad for you.... :/
ReplyDelete- with love from the A to Z challenge Heather, the Evil Twin @ thewinetwins.blogspot.com
It's so true...why can't there just be one steadfast rule? Blessings
DeleteHeart rate monitors are great. I never really bought into the whole fat burning zone thing, but it's nice to be able to look at something and say, wow, I'm not working as hard as I thought I was, time to step up the pace. Although for me running is different because I was trying to keep it below a certain level, lol.
ReplyDeleteEveryone should have one to at least know where their HR falls.
I agree Jill, it's a good thing once in awhile to check your heart rate just to see where it falls...
DeleteThanks for visiting and leaving a comment! I'm not a runner, but I did try it once (when I got talked into it by a friend!). I used to get my running in by chasing a little yellow ball around a court!
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who plays tennis...thanks so much for stopping by...I am not coordinated enough to play that game
DeleteI used the one on the treadmill at the gym. Sometimes I crank up the heart rate, but once I heard about the fat-burning rate, I started keeping it in a certain range.
ReplyDeleteStill feels good to just go for it though!
Yes it does feel good...I love to do HIIT
DeleteI like the heart rate monitor for using the exercycle -- it's pretty easy to get my heart rate going faster than it should for my age, so knowing when to cut back and slow down helps a lot.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right Patricia, blessings and thanks for stopping by
DeleteBeautiful blog! And a great H post :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your triumphs. So inspiring!
Happy blogging!
Kaye Draper at Write Me
Thank you so much Kaye, Happy blogging to you as well!
DeleteWe have one on our elliptical machine and, even though I'm not real sure where my heartrate is supposed to be...it stays pretty even. I guess that means I'm not in that bad of shape? (Here's hoping!)
ReplyDeleteLeft and Write
Sound like you are doing well Mark...keep at it!
DeleteI love to run! It makes me feel like all is right in my world. I never thought about my heart rate though, I'll have to look into this now!
ReplyDeleteThe Good Twin @ thewinetwins.blogspot.com
Yay, another runner! If your huffing and puffing and can't say a word or two your running to fast..slow down a bit and it'll be perfect!
DeleteI've always resisted running, preferring to walk - but this is great info, Shannon. Thanks. I am bookmarking those links!
ReplyDeleteThis was a great post! Thanks for posting those links too. I just ordered a polar watch. I wanted something gauge my weight lifting workouts since I hate lifting weights. My thinking was if I see the numbers of calories I am burning, I'll want to do the workouts. I know it's crazy. I love your blog too! I am a new follower. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat article and thanks for the links! Not sure how I've missed your blog before, but now I've got ya bookmarked! I have a(n old) Polar HRM for indoor stuff and a Garmin 305 for outdoors, but to be honest, I rarely use them. Maybe it's time to change that :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Thanks for the references! :)
ReplyDelete