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Aerobics/Running uphill and heart rate

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Expert: - 5/25/2003


Question
Hi,
For many months now I have been speed-walking and jogging uphill on a treadmill.  I started at level 7 incline and could easily reach an 80 to 85% heart rate, with time I've noticed that now I have to bring it up to a level 12 to reach that same heart rate!
Why? Is it because I'm more fit and need a more challenging incline to reach the same heart rate or is it because I'm losing fitness condition?

Thanks!
Grace

Answer
Hi Grace,

It is because you are more fit, not less fit.  The more fit you become, you work more efficiently.  That's why level 7 is easy for you now.  For you to feel a challenge, you're finding you have to crank up the level to 12 or so.  That's something to be proud of - you're improvement in aerobic capacity and cardiovascular fitness.

Congratulations, Grace, keep it up.

Aerobics

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