AboutJerry Goodwin Expertise I can answer questions related to any of the following areas alternative medicine, fitness, physical education, weight training, senior health, bicycling, personal trainers, personal training, medical technology, health and wellness, eating disorders, weight loss, Naturopathy, first aid, and bodybuilding. In fact I was listed as an expert in each of these categories at askme.com until they closed down
Experience I have worked in health and or fitness related capacities for over 30 years. My main profession is that of a Medical Technologist, but I also have training as a Corpsman with the US Navy, a Field Medic with the Army National Guard,and am certified as A Personal Trainer, Medical Exer-therapist and Aerobics Instructor through the National Academy for Health and Fitness. My wife and I have operated BMG Services Fitness and Nutrition in Moultrie Georgia since 1995. I also have an Associates Degree in Computer Robotics. I am an avid bicycle rider, mostly road riding with the occasional
mountain trail or off road "experience". My wife and I usually do a charity ride at least once per year to help those less fortunate.
Degrees & Certifications:
Certifications include Clinical Laboratory Scientist CLS/NCA. Clinical Laboratory Technologist CLT/HHS
Personal Trainer, Aerobics Instructor, and Medical Exer-therapist NAHF.
Advance Weight Training through NAHF.
Accepted as AFTA Associate
Awards include the Ohio State Award of Merit and Ohio Special Services Ribbon, Army Commendation
Medal and 2 Army Achievement Medals
CPR re-Certifcation 2007
Web page:
http://www.bmgfitness.com
http;//www.healthandfitnessebookclub.com
Question I am 47, 150 pounds and run, 40 min, 3.4 -3.5 miles X3/week. I run at an average pace of 5.3 mph but this keeps my HR over my 147 max. In fact, even at 5.0 mph I am at 150 - 155 HR. I feel great and am in good shape. Do I need to gear my work out to my max HR? Am I maximizing my workout for the best results if I ignore the target HR range relative to my age? Thanks!
Answer Hi Susan,
I am probably going to raise a few eyebrows here amongst my piers and those reading this. The Target heart rate is a number, just like the age, don't put so much stock in it. It is an estimate and that is all it is. If you stay in it you SHOULD be safe, if you go out of it you may be taking a little chance. But pushing the envelope a little is how people make progress.
I am 56, I workout daily, weights and cycling are my two exercise loves, I also like to do the Trampoline and swim, but cycling is my main love. I workout and judge my progress by how I feel and how my body feels. I don't even worry or care about my target heart rate, or whether I am in or out of this range.
If you feel great, are in good shape you can push the envelope a little more. At only 47 your are still young and if you feel like your 30 something, that is absolutely wonderful, keep up the great work. I personally would definitely not cut my workouts back because of some number on a chart.Only you know what you are capable of and sometimes I actually surprise myself at what I am capable of. If you are enjoying the workouts, getting good results and feeling good, keep it up.
Sounds to me like your are doing a great job and I commend you. If it were me I sure wouldn't gear my workouts back at all. You should do what you think is best, and be sure to get regular medical checkups, but as long as you feel good and the workouts are not wearing you down then I would keep doing just what you are doing.
Jack Lalane is 90Plus and works out 4 hours a day, I doubt that he stays in his target heart rate, by the time he subtracts his age there is no RATE left.
