Heart Rate Monitor for Cardio?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2005
Heart Rate Monitor for Cardio?
2
Sun, 05-08-2005 - 7:40pm

Has anyone else tried using a heart rate monitor while you do your cardio? You can adjust it to your age and/or fitness level. I'm getting a much better workout in my target heart rate zone on my own (bouncing on my mini trampoline). I'm a little disappointed that the exercise industry doesn't explain heart rate better. Sometimes the exercise tapes/DVDs aren't effective because everyone's target heart rate is different.

I've read a few books on this. It sounds like cardio is more effective if you workout for a certain amount of time in your target heart rate zone, and that's really the key. I feel like doing a 45-minute workout tape is not always effective.

Any thoughts?

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Mon, 05-09-2005 - 12:40pm

Hey Nadine, there are a few ladies that use a heart rate monitor (Sabrina??) and I know my mom uses one when she runs as she has some heart issues and needs to keep her heart rate from going to high.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-04-2005
Tue, 05-10-2005 - 7:07pm

Well, personally, I use one, however, I wonder how accurate the things are. Why? Cuz I'll be on the treadmill, and it'll register me at 200+ bpm (heartbeats per minute). Um, I should almost be dead, if not dead.


I also shouldn't be working out at that range, however, I don't FEEL like I'm pushing it as much as it states.


The other thing that is confusing, to ppl in general, is how to find your target. There are so many different things out there stating diff things. According to my BPM, I should be around 140-185 or something like that (can't remember the specifics). That is my target range. Well, at 140, I'm walking, and not doing much. At 185, I'm walking really fast, but not running yet. When I run, my bpm gets up around 190-215. Scary, huh?


So, I use it, but for the most part, if I do anything more than walk fast, I'm already OVER my zone. Or very close to it. So, either I'm massively out of shape, or my heart just beats really fast, or I'm about to pass out and die.


I think we need to have more information attached to those things. Versus all the conflicting advice out there.


But, they are great. :)

~pineapple_girl