Question about HRM

LilyB2521

I started the insanity program, and I got a HRM to track the % of my MHR and also calories burned.  I have a question about the % though.  How accurate would that % be?  It it based only on the height/weight info I put in, and then takes into account that I'm a female? 

I ask because when I'm working out, without even looking at the HRM I can tell when I get to 85-86%, my body just can't do any more than that.  So I didn't know if this % is just based on what my HR is at at that time, or if that truly is 85% of my MHR for me.

Sorry if this is confusing, I'm finding it's a little hard to explain!  Plus, I'm new to tracking HR and MHR, so I'm trying to learn as I go.

MaineWifey

It's a good question actually, I never really thought of it that in depth.  I always just assumed that my body couldn't be pushed any further with Insanity because it was freaking hard! 

 

LesPaul

The guideline of 226 (for women) minus your age being 100% of your max HR is just that - a guideline.  I know from tracking hundreds of spin classes that my own max is about 10 bpm less than the guideline.  Record your data based on how you feel during the workout to get your 'true' max HR over time and comparative data vs yourself.

LilyB2521

LesPaul:

The guideline of 226 (for women) minus your age being 100% of your max HR is just that - a guideline.  I know from tracking hundreds of spin classes that my own max is about 10 bpm less than the guideline.  Record your data based on how you feel during the workout to get your 'true' max HR over time and comparative data vs yourself.

So is it safe for me to assume that my HRM probably uses this basis when giving me a % on the monitor?  Based on how I feel when I'm working out, I'm not going to push myself to go above 85-86% because I know that's about my limit. I'm not sure how many BPM I'm at though when it shows 85%, I'll have to pay closer attention to that as well

LesPaul

Yes, probably something like that.  I had to tell my HRM what my max HR is, and it shows the % based on what I input.  Yours may make an assumption for a female age xx.

LilyB2521

LesPaul:

Yes, probably something like that.  I had to tell my HRM what my max HR is, and it shows the % based on what I input.  Yours may make an assumption for a female age xx.

When I went through the set up of mine, it never asked anything about my HR, it only asked gender, height, weight, etc.