[LaurieDawn]

So, I finally have a gym membership (though school). Yay! And I have started measuring my heart rate using those machines, and during the most intense part of my work-outs, I measure between 175-180, and the machine tells me that I'm exceeding my maximum heart rate. The Mayo Clinic heart rate calculator tells me that I shouldn't exceed about 158 beats per minute. My resting heart rate is about 75 beats per minute.

Do I really need to worry about this? I try to do high intensity interval training (though I'm not so good at it yet), and during the 30 minutes or so when I'm not warming up or cooling down, I cycle from about 155 - 175. I feel like I need to push myself hard so that I can burn the most calories possible in the amount of time I have to exercise, and honestly, sometimes I don't think I'm pushing myself hard enough.

I'm 34 and in good health generally (except, of course, for the obesity risk factor). Am I okay to continue to ignore what strikes me as just another obstacle in getting rid of this weight?

[beerab]

Oh my numbers are always higher I don't particularly care. I'm sure part of it is due to high blood pressure but the only thing that can help that is to keep losing weight...

[mandalinn82]

Maximum HR is just an estimate. And if you hit YOUR true maximum heartrate, there is NO WAY you wouldn't know. It's a very distinct physical feeling. People testing their MHR have to wear something that records heart rate, rather than just displaying it, because when you hit it, you can't even read a heart rate display.

As long as you don't feel like you're going to pass out, you're good.

[LaurieDawn]

Thanks to both of you! I am grateful that I don't have to worry about it - I got enough on my mind! (And it is so GREAT to see you still so successful, Amanda. Gives me lots of hope that I will get there again and stay there!)