1GirlTwinBoys Posted June 7, 2016 Share Posted June 7, 2016 I've been doing the stair stepper at the gym lately and averaging 105 flights of stairs in 30 mins. My heart rate is around 173-175 during this workout. My brother says that is not good for me and dangerous?? I'm bored if I keep my heart rate in the range suggested for my age (will be 48 this month). Don't know if this matters either, but I'm 5'2 and 128 lbs. Thoughts?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenneinCA Posted June 7, 2016 Share Posted June 7, 2016 How do you feel at that heart rate? If my heart rate goes that high I am out of breath, slightly dizzy, and ready to puke. It is very obviously too much for me. But I am fine at 155-160. There my heart is beating hard and I feel like I am working really hard but none of the bad effects. My recovery time to the mid 130s is thirty seconds or so and that is good too. I would say that as long as you are feeling alright, that it is probably alright. (Not a doctor, don't play one on tv. Just like going to the gym and getting sweaty.) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outdoorsy Type Posted June 7, 2016 Share Posted June 7, 2016 That's a little higher than I like, but I'm not sure it's dangerous. Over 190 would be dangerous or if you started feeling weak/pain. I aim for 155-165 when I do cardio. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ebunny Posted June 7, 2016 Share Posted June 7, 2016 (edited) What's your resting heart rate like? If it's close to 100 beats per min (bpm),173 might not seem too high. My resting heart rate is 50-60 bpm; I aim for 150 bpm. Do you have a heart rate monitor (wrist) or are you using the one on the stepper? Fwiw, steppers/treadmills are often inaccurate. eta: fixed typo. Edited June 7, 2016 by ebunny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted June 7, 2016 Share Posted June 7, 2016 The rule of thumb for max heart rate (not the target to aim for, just what you shouldn't go over) is 220 minus your age, or 172 in your case. But not every 48yo or 20yo has the same heart rate to begin with so, while I wouldn't consider that number to be the definitive one for all 48yos, I would suggest looking for some more information. Most methods of calculating target heart rate from resting heart rate would suggest a 48yo with a high RHR of 100 should stay within 145-150 during exercise. I'm 9 years younger with a high-ish RHR, and I have trouble staying within my THR once I really get going. I don't worry too much about going above for a minute or two at a time, but I'm careful not to stay up there for longer. If you're feeling physically comfortable at that heart rate, I (as a layperson, not a doctor!) would still recommend you only use that intensity for a minute or two at a time and give a few minutes in between to come back down. And, if you don't feel comfortable at that heart rate (any signs of dizziness, breathlessness, etc.) DON'T DO THAT! I get the boredom thing, really. My device of choice is the elliptical, and it is dull when it isn't intense. But safety can be boring. ;) The good news is that, with regular cardio training, your heart should continue to become more efficient, and you'll be able to sustain greater intensity with a lower heart rate. If I were your personal trainer, I would make sure your numbers were accurate (taking your HR manually, not going by machine) and I wouldn't let you sustain that HR under my watch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted June 7, 2016 Share Posted June 7, 2016 I agree with checking to be sure your heart rate is being accurately measured. I wear a Fitbit and I know there are times when it's wildly off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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