The old heart rate malarkey ... Rest 55-64 when working out 174 to 194 or even 200 !!

[MLJ86]

So, I figure, we are all different, and with that being said, a simple formula won't work for everybody.

I wasn't really worried about my heart rate until other gym goers commented on how high I would be.

Backstory.

Very active child/young adult till about 17, then I became a late teenager - screw fitness, where the boys at?!

I developed a love hate relationship with my body, and eventually became too heavy for my liking. I'm 32 now, have consistently done cardio and weight training for the last 4 months, and the fitbit has helped me keep going, anyhow ... I've lost about 12KG so far, approx 2 Stone in the last 4 months. Currently I'm in at 152lbs (69 kg) at 5'5 (164cm)

I eat healthy, admittedly I don't drink enough, maybe 2/3 of what I should be drinking - I'm forcing myself to drink more, so I'm on it.

However, when I am asleep, resting, heart rate changes from day to day - I think it must have something to do with my cycle as in a 4 week period I start at 65 and by week 3 I am down to 54 and it'll work it's way back up - and so on...

Anyway, when I work out, let's say I do an hour of cardio I can sustain a heart rate of 189 without feeling faint, ill or dizzy. I feel knackered but not bad - in terms of fitness.

I'm confused, as I can not get it anywhere below that when working out. I have friends, who have been doing training for a year and their HR is never above 157 or similar.... I don't want to freak myself out so I have myself booked in with my GP for the routine checks for heart health.

Just thought I'd pop on here and see what the experience is for the rest of the community.

[emili · Accepted solution]

hey there @MLJ86 you nailed it in the first part of your post.. we are all different. You may have a naturally higher pulse than someone else doing the same activity. It is a good thing to go see your GP to make sure all is well, but the tell tale signs of a higher pulse than you can handle would be all the things you say do not happen. I run at 7 miles per hour for 5-7 miles and my pulse will be anywhere between 155 to 189. I think with time and more weight loss you will bring that down. Your RHR is good- I think your GP will give you a high five for taking care of your fitness and setting goals to keep going.