Heart Rate and Exercise

[Coach]

Dear Dr Steve,
I know I sound like a nag over all this weight loss stuff. But, I have been using the cardio machines at the gym. I often find myself going over ther heartrate for the Fat burning/Cardio settings.
1)One of the people working at the gym told me to slow down or I would have a Heart attack or Stroke. Thing is, I felt fine and had no problem doing the program. If I feel comfortable doing it, did it without ill effects, why should I slow down when it would feel like I am doing nothing?
2)By working the machines at the Cardio level, does that negate the Fat Burning aspect?
Any info would be appreciated.
Coach

Ps. I don't buy into those weight loss drinks, but I have had people tell me how well something called Magic Mushroom tea works. I have always heard it could cause liver damage.

[Dr Steve]

Dear Dr Steve,
I know I sound like a nag over all this weight loss stuff. But, I have been using the cardio machines at the gym. I often find myself going over ther heartrate for the Fat burning/Cardio settings.
1)One of the people working at the gym told me to slow down or I would have a Heart attack or Stroke. Thing is, I felt fine and had no problem doing the program. If I feel comfortable doing it, did it without ill effects, why should I slow down when it would feel like I am doing nothing?
2)By working the machines at the Cardio level, does that negate the Fat Burning aspect?
Any info would be appreciated.
Coach

Ps. I don't buy into those weight loss drinks, but I have had people tell me how well something called Magic Mushroom tea works. I have always heard it could cause liver damage.

Coach: #1: Anything with the word "MAGIC" in the title is likely crap. If you send me a link to this stuff, I'll check it out for you.

#2: regarding your heart rate, this is a good rule of thumb:

Take your age and subtract it from 220. This is your "maximum heart rate".
(example: 220-20=200)

Assuming that you're healthy and your health care provider has ok'ed you for an exercise program, your "Target Heart Rate" should be 60-80% of your maximum (example: 200x.8=160). The theory is that you'll benefit cardio-wise if you attain your target heart rate and hold it there for 30 minutes at least 3 times a week.

Exceeding the target is just flogging a floppy horse; you run the risk of overexerting yourself and even doing damage.

Check your pulse when you're working out; you may be perfectly within the range. If you don't know how to check your pulse, write back and I'll post some easy methods.

your pal,


steve

[Coach]

Coach: #1: Anything with the word "MAGIC" in the title is likely crap. If you send me a link to this stuff, I'll check it out for you.

#2: regarding your heart rate, this is a good rule of thumb:

Take your age and subtract it from 220. This is your "maximum heart rate".
(example: 220-20=200)

Assuming that you're healthy and your health care provider has ok'ed you for an exercise program, your "Target Heart Rate" should be 60-80% of your maximum (example: 200x.8=160). The theory is that you'll benefit cardio-wise if you attain your target heart rate and hold it there for 30 minutes at least 3 times a week.

Exceeding the target is just flogging a floppy horse; you run the risk of overexerting yourself and even doing damage.

Check your pulse when you're working out; you may be perfectly within the range. If you don't know how to check your pulse, write back and I'll post some easy methods.

your pal,


steveI know how to take my pulse, but perhaps you should post some ways for those that do not.
I find it interesting that from what you said I was working in my target range..and the machines were about 10 points off.
Also the name of the Product was called Magic Mushroom Tea I believe.

[toolshed]

I had Magic Mushrooms once and didn't eat for three days.