Treadmill Heart Rate Question

S

shamrock838

0
Treadmill Heart Rate Question:

I recently started working out on a treadmill and am now up to 20 minutes at 4.0 mph and a 4-degree incline.

When I started monitoring my heart rate with a chest strap, I noticed the heart rate fluctuated up and down throughout the workout. Are these fluctuations normal? What causes them and what’s a normal range of readings? Is age a factor here? I’m retired.

P.S. - I thought the heart rate would simply increase gradually as the minutes ticked off.

Thanks.
 
I'm not sure on the speed difference but I do something similar (10km/h speed at 10% gradient then 6km/h at 10% gradient) I notice heart rate fluctuations but I'm not sure what you mean exactly by fluctuations.

I have to be honest, I don't get a chance to look much at the HR as I am so out of breath- I do interval training, 1 min on each. I notice my heart rate hover around 150-170, zigzagging a little but overall climbing then I go to 6km/h and it rockets up to 180-190BPM and this I think is fairly normal, my heart sort of catches up on itself on my 'rest' mimutes.

I do use other machines too, the cross trainer, the stepper and there are fluctuations, but its over about 30 seconds, I'd be at 160 then it would go down to 150 then 155 then 145 each after about 30 seconds to 60 seconds, sometimes it climbes other times it doesn't. I think this is my body just getting used to what I do and this is the exact reason I decided to get a HRM, it shows me when and where I do get used to things so I know when to up my game.

I'd say if your HR fluctuates enough to make you feel dizzy or natious or you feel weak enough to trip or fall then see your doctor ASAP, but otherwise if its minor fluctuation of a few BPM its probably normal. We are all human, not machines, natural fluctuation has got to be normal to some extent.

But do get anything that concerns you checked out. Either with the gym instructors (if your at a gym) or your doctor.
 
There is a calculation for your maximum heart rate (MHR). I believe it is 217 - (age x .85). You should try and stay under that!

Heart rate will fluctuate based on how hard you are working and your general fitness level. Even if the activity is continous your body can be adjusting.

However, if you are retired and haven't been working out in a few years then I would suggest you take it easy. Maybe try keeping your heart rate at 110 - 130 and take a short rest if you need to lower your heart rate.

The heart is a muscle. If you keep working it then it will get stronger and you will be able to do more while maintaining the same heart rate. But you have to stick with it and go at a pace that works you out not wears you out so you can keep the training up.
 
Heart rates can be weird, ey? It happens with me too, at times it goes up high, others it is lower. But what is important is how long you were in the training zone for
 
Heart Rate Readings

Hi

I think there could be a problem with your heart rate monitor and chest strap! Usually when it gives sporadic readings, it could mean that there's a problem with the heart rate monitor. I suggest you get it checked out or find a new one.

To get the best from your workouts, it is best you stay within what they call, your aerobic heart rate. This is 65 to 80% of your maximum heart rate and where the best results are achieved.

If you have any questions, than feel free to drop me a message.
 
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