Working too hard?
 

Question:

Can someone work out too hard? I like to do a half hour on the elliptical and when the machine measures my hear rate I am always in the "peak" section as opposed to the fat burn and cardio section. If I am in the peak am I defeating myself? I just want to make sure that I am not wasting time in the gym.

I'm always in the peak section. I figure as long as I don't feel like I'm going to die (which I don't) I'm okay.

I would say going for a longer time and doing intervals of high, medium, and low intensity might be a little beneficial, but also, that machine doesn't know your body...I never listen to those things, I just listen to what my body is telling me!

Ok good. I never get to the point where I am going to die but I am always in the peak section. I might try those intervals too.

Ive been on one that tells me to slow down all the time, but I am barely out of breath. Trust your body.

I have always been told you should be working hard enough to where you are breathing pretty heavy, but can still carry on a conversation without getting out of breath... I am usually in the peak section too. It all comes down to burning more calories than you are taking in. Do what makes you feel good. Either way, I dont think you are wasting your time in the gym. Congrats on your loss and efforts. :hug:

I think it'd be more likely a waste of time if you didn't hit peak... I've always heard that was a good thing?? I don't have a gym membership but I think I just about die everytime I do 30DS, lol.

Intervals are a very efficient way to get your cardio done. Also, I never know what to make of the readings on the machines, so I just go by how I feel (or if you have a heart rate moniter, that's great too). Basically, if you can comfortably hold a conversation then you aren't working hard enough.

Ok great! I am glad I am doing everything you guys say is effective for you! I will just keep on truckin'.

I think you can; however, its very difficult to. I find gym equipment monitors and calorie trackers are extremely off base. I personally use the Polar chest sensor and watch that the school issues us and that is supposedly pretty accurate. As for workout, if you can talk, you probably aren't pushing. Sure you'll burn calories but you won't be doing anything to improve your aerobic conditioning. Plus, higher intensity does burn more calories as well. In essence, yes its easy to do "to much"; however, that entails a lot of work at a high intensity for very long periods of time.

So should I push myself so I can't talk so I can improve my aerobic conditioning? I can usually talk but only like 3 words at a time and breathless.

No, I think that sounds good. You don't want to go until you pass out lol. I don't know. I guess its just a pacing deal. You're probably going in the right direction.

I also do intervals on the treadmill as well as elliptical. If I keep my heart rate at 170+ for a long time I start to feel lightheaded and dizzy. I can keep my heart at 165 and be just fine for the whole 20 mins but 170 or more Im on the verge of passing out. I heard intervals give better results then keeping your heart rate at the same level during the whole workout. But as long as your working out thats all that matters, if your feeling great then keep doing it :)