Hard Time Catching Breath
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QUESTION:
I have a heart rate monitor that I use when working out. My question is around my maximum target heart weight. I am 51 years old, approx. 25-30 pounds over my goal weight. My resting heart rate is around 90, as I begin to increse the speed on the treadmill it climbs to around 124-136 in a normal period of time.
My concern is that as I begin to run for a short period of time i.e. 1/2 mile (5 minutes) it jumps to the high 160's to low 170's! My legs are strong but I feel I need to quit running because my heart is beating so hard and I have a hard time catching my breath. Is this normal?
ANSWER:
First and Foremost: Consult with your doctor and ask him/her whether this type of exercise is right for you (if you haven't already). I have never been a fan of using heart rate charts for determining target heart rate. Even if you use the Karvonen Formula which takes into account your resting heart rate, it still may not be right for you.
I recommend downloading and printing an RPE chart to take with you during exercise. Remember the classic surgeon general's recommendations of 30 minutes of vigorous exercise 3 times per week or something to that effect? The point is, heart rate is secondary to the effort you are putting in to your exercise, especially when you're a beginner or novice.
Try to exercise at a moderate intensity comparable to 4-6 on the RPE chart (above). Take note of your heart rate as you try to maintain this intensity for at least 20 minutes. Eventually you will be able increase your intensity and feel more comfortable at higher intensities (heart rates). Once you begin to lose weight and improve your cardio fitness you will find that what currently exercise intensity makes it hard to catch your breath will be maintainable.
