Heart Questions

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2004
Heart Questions
2
Tue, 03-22-2005 - 2:42pm

In my fitness classes, we always stop in the middle for everyone to check their heart rate. Mine is generally 5-10 beats per minute faster than the chart we use lists for a 15 year-old at 85% capacity! On the other hand, I don't feel like I'm about to drop, so I've never given much thought to it. Is there any reason I ought to pay more attention?

Also, when we're cooling down, we're told to keep our heads above our hearts. Why is that?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Tue, 03-22-2005 - 3:43pm

do you mean for a 25 year old? i thought you were a biologist, surely you aren't 15?


anyhoo - those charts are just an estimate. perceived exertion is just as good a way to determine intensity. the Borg scale of perceived exertion has you rate your exertion on a scale of 6 to 20, 6 being standing still, and 20 being the last second of the olympics sprint with a lion chasing you to the finish line. in a fitness class you generally want to shoot for 14-17. 14 being a moderate workout and 17 being a more intense workout appropriate for more experienced exercisers and those with no health issues.


i always find the Borg scale somewhat vague though - the simplest way to gauge intensity

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 03-23-2005 - 11:52am

My heart rate is usually that for a 20 something year old when I check and I am 55. It is even higher if I am teaching. But, I feel fine and I am not out of breath and obviously I can carry on a conversation if I am cueing the class. So...the chart is only a number and go by how you feel. It is ideal to be where the charts say, but everyone is different.

Grace