Re-evaluating fitness level by heart rate

[amy_b]

Hi, Cathe,
This last week I decided to strap on the old heart monitor during my workouts. I'd felt that I had reached a plateau and wanted to see what the numbers looked like. To my surprise, what used to push me up over 180 is now only going around 160. I used to consider my "hard workout heart rate" to be in the 160's and now I am running the same pace, doing the same drills and I find that I am hovering around 140. So...the good news...I am more fit.

The question: Now what?
Should I push myself to be back in the constant 160s by jumping higher and running faster during my whole workout or should I push it by going into anaerobic intervals on a semi-regular basis and be glad that my system is working more effeciently than it used to?

My fitness goals are to safely continue improving cardio capacity, lose about 3 or 4 holiday pounds, and continue to tone the lower body and burn in the six pack. Oh, and land that full twist!!!
Thanks, and I hope you had a fabulous holiday!!
Amy

 

[Joni]

I've been wondering about this too. I recently began working out again regularly and intensely - and my max HR has averaged 180-185. It's now starting to drop and I know (from previous experience) as I get reconditioned it will level out at about 160. I'm spoiled by the tremendous calorie burn at the higher rate!

So I wonder too, as you get more fit should you compensate by working out harder and/or longer to reap the same benefits? My primary goal is fat loss.

Thanks to Cathe or anyone who can enlighten us! (No pun intended )

Joni

 

[nancy324]

I'm no fitness instructor, but isn't age a factor too? You may be getting more fit, but you're also aging, which will mean that your target would naturally be a bit lower.

I've heard you can measure your fitness level by how quickly your heartbeat returns to normal after a workout. A drop of 20 beat per minute is typical for a healthy adult. A faster drop means you're more fit, and a slower drop means you're less fit.

Nancy