The Advantages of a Using Heart Rate Monitors PDF Print E-mail
Written by By Kate Schnatterbeck, USAT Certified Coach   

Chris EdgertonHeart rate monitors should be used to gauge your training. The ultimate goal is to be able to run longer and faster with a lower heart rate. Keep track of your results, and see the progress.

A heart rate monitor:

  • Is your own personal coach, bringing objectivity to your training program
  • Can keep you from training too hard
  • Is a way to assess your fitness level and if you are over training (elevated resting heart rate)
  • Is a way to determine if you are training toward your goals (getting fitter)
  • Is a link between the mind and the heart.

General equations for heart rate

  • Maximum heart rate is "sport specific“
  • Subtract 5 beats for cycling
  • Subtract 11 beats for swimming

HRMAX = 220 – age (males)
HRMAX = 226 – age (females)

Another way to calculate your HR is to visit the following site: http://www.runnersweb.com/running/hr_calculator_new.html

Zones

Zone 1
Zone 2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Recovery
Endurance
Aerobic
Threshold
Redline
50-60%60-70%70-80%
80-90%90-100%

Zone 1
Recovery – easiest workouts

Zone 2
Endurance – ability to talk

Zone 3
Intensive/ endurance – Aerobic

Zone 4
Threshold – increases lactate tolerance and remove lactate from the muscles

Zone 5
Redline – Anaerobic (finish line push)

Kate Schnatterbeck, founder of Tri-umph, Inc. has specialized in athletic training, personal and multisport training and has been training and educating athletes for over 16 years. Kate has a degree in Corporate Fitness with an emphasis in Cardiac Rehabilitation and a minor in Sports Medicine. She is a Nationally Certified Athletic Trainer, USA Triathlon Certified Coach, American Swimming Coaches Association certified, Schwinn instructor and previously coached NCAA swimming. Contact Kate for more information at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.tri-umph.us.

 
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