Expert: Brandon Briggs, MS - 4/2/2009

Question
I am 37 years old, 5'5" and currently weigh 167 pounds.  I am trying to lose about 25 pounds.  I got back in the gym recently, but when I run my heart rate sky rockets after only a few minutes.  Last night, after 2 and a half minutes, my heart rate was 195.  I am concerned that I'm doing more damage than good, but need the cardiovascular workout to lose the weight.  Any suggestions?  I would really like to become a runner....ugh!

Answer
Cristie,

If you want to become a runner, you first have to start by training your HR. Start with walking, walking with incline and then interval training with small bouts of jogging. After you can jog for a few minutes without having your HR skyrocket. If you work on a lower level and increase your stamina that will transfer into a lower HR at rest therefore a lower exercising HR. Hope this helps.


Brandon