wierd heart rate monitor feedback

detailaddict · Post by **detailaddict** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 6:37 pm

I bought a Timex hrm recently for use with a new exercise program. Following the instructions I calculated mhr at 180bpm. Over the course of workout (which is supposed to be at 85%-100% MHR) heart rate shot into the 190's several times, for a few seconds at a time. Timex Technical Support advised me to exchange it for a new unit as the heart sensor must have been malfunctioning. I did so (and recalculated mhr at 186bpm) but got the same feedback with the new unit.

Tech Support recommended switching to a digital model to avoid any interference, but I've been working out at home and don't know what would cause the strange readings, especially when I'm running outside. Is it possible that heart rate really is spiking into the 190's? Should I be concerned?

swanso5 · Post by **swanso5** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 9:22 pm

go by your effort level rather then heart rate during training

detailaddict · Post by **detailaddict** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 10:54 pm

other concern here, apart from a freaky heart rate, is whether I am in the zone I need to be while working out. If "real" mhr is in fact in the 190's and I want to be at at least 85% of that, I will want to adjust the lower end of that zone upward so I know what to shoot for. While I am familiar with the "talk but not sing" concept and I'm definitely winded when I reach 195bpm, I'm not entirely certain what that 85% should feel like.

swanso5 · Post by **swanso5** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 2:48 am

this why %'s are shit, you never know where you are at anytime...just go as hard as you can for as long as you can and then you'll know you've gone pretty bloody hard and if you couldv;e gone harder then do so next time