Question about cardio heart rate

[Anonymous]

I am trying to get back into shape. I like strength training but cardio is a slog. If I am able to get my heart rate into the target zone for the recommended time, can I do whatever cardio works for me? Complement that with more structured strength training (planning to get a Tonal). I have an old school recumbent exercise bike I use for the cardio. I can read while I’m on it, and I don’t dread it. Or does cardio need to be more involved than that? I realize (or Hope!) I may hit a plateau with the exercise bike and will think of something then, but I’m so far from that right now.

Basically, is the only requirement for a good cardio workout to get your heart rate up or something more?

[Anonymous]

Cardio is all about your heart rate. If you can hit the proscribed zones for the proscribes times, it doesn’t matter how you do it

[Anonymous]

I hate old school cardio (miserable on the bike or tread for 30 mins). I have found success with HIIT classes- short cardio bursts with a variety of movements. Peloton app is free for 30 days and they have some great HIIT and cardio classes. No bike or tread needed.

[Anonymous]

If you can read while doing cardio you aren’t working hard enough

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you can read while doing cardio you aren’t working hard enough

Lol I run six 8-minute miles while reading.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you can read while doing cardio you aren’t working hard enough

I’m responding to this thread right now and my HR is currently 171 on my spin bike.

[Anonymous]

OP cardio is about your heart rate, you are probably accomplishing a lot doing strength training. Consider a fitness watch like fitbit. It's so fun and motivating.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you can read while doing cardio you aren’t working hard enough

I’m responding to this thread right now and my HR is currently 171 on my spin bike.

How? That seems pretty high unless you are overweight and out of shape.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you can read while doing cardio you aren’t working hard enough

I’m responding to this thread right now and my HR is currently 171 on my spin bike.

How? That seems pretty high unless you are overweight and out of shape.

I’m a healthy weight and in decent shape, though I certainly have room for improvement. I ride my spin bike an average of 5 hours a week. According to my tracker I spend roughly half of every hour long workout in my max heart rate zone, which is 165+. I often do my easier work tasks while spinning, so I’m used to reading and writing while spinning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you can read while doing cardio you aren’t working hard enough

I’m responding to this thread right now and my HR is currently 171 on my spin bike.

How? That seems pretty high unless you are overweight and out of shape.

What? Are you saying that in shape people can never do anaerobic or threshold cardio?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you can read while doing cardio you aren’t working hard enough

I’m responding to this thread right now and my HR is currently 171 on my spin bike.

How? That seems pretty high unless you are overweight and out of shape.

This comment doesn't make sense. Unless you know PP's power output at 171 HR, there is no way to evaluate whether PP's heart rate is "pretty high," and absolutely no way to conclude that PP is "overweight and out of shape." Stop trolling or learn some basic physiology.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you can read while doing cardio you aren’t working hard enough

I’m responding to this thread right now and my HR is currently 171 on my spin bike.

How? That seems pretty high unless you are overweight and out of shape.

DP. Nah. 171 is in my max zone. I would find it hard to talk but could sustain that for several minutes at a time.

49 yo woman who runs 5 days a week and 115 lbs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you can read while doing cardio you aren’t working hard enough

I’m responding to this thread right now and my HR is currently 171 on my spin bike.

How? That seems pretty high unless you are overweight and out of shape.

DP. Nah. 171 is in my max zone. I would find it hard to talk but could sustain that for several minutes at a time.

49 yo woman who runs 5 days a week and 115 lbs.

50 year old who can sustain up to 180 for a time, but no way would I be responding to DCUM threads while there. Once I get over 160 BPM it is hard work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you can read while doing cardio you aren’t working hard enough

I’m responding to this thread right now and my HR is currently 171 on my spin bike.

How? That seems pretty high unless you are overweight and out of shape.

DP. Nah. 171 is in my max zone. I would find it hard to talk but could sustain that for several minutes at a time.

49 yo woman who runs 5 days a week and 115 lbs.

50 year old who can sustain up to 180 for a time, but no way would I be responding to DCUM threads while there. Once I get over 160 BPM it is hard work.

But this is above the target HR for your age. You can definitely be in the target range and read or respond to messages.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you can read while doing cardio you aren’t working hard enough

I’m responding to this thread right now and my HR is currently 171 on my spin bike.

Yes, while you have STOPPED to idiotically respond. Maybe you need help foe your addiction. Seriously.