Fitness Fun - March 2

Happy hump day LW's...

What's going on today? Another storm is rolling through the region so it was a windy sideways precip kinda drive. Hopefully the roads won't be iced over or too much snow because I don't wanna deal with it today. I have class after work...long day. So that means no workout for me today. Other than shoveling snow if needed...

How about you??? hhhhmmm??

Fitness tip for the day:
Do not take the readouts on cardio machines literally - use them as a scale to gauge your own progress

Keep in mind that the machines although you enter your weight, age, etc...are not accurate and not calibrated to suit YOUR needs. There are a few more variables that are needed to calculate your calories burned for a workout at minimum.

A good heart rate monitor will help and there are several on the market that are cheap enough to consider. They take in your gender, age, height, and weight. And it correlates to your heart rate (chest strap) feedback. So 400 calories burned on the elliptical may only be 300...possibly even less. So, just be cautious. For calories burned, get a HRM. You can use the readout on the machine as a barometer of your 'intensity' etc.

Have fun and stay hydrated in your fitness fun activity today! 

Curves is done for the day.

Anyone else notice it being harder to find your pulse?  There are 3 times on the Curves curcuit you take your pulse and most times I can't find mine before the time is over.

I have had to work harder to feel like I get the same workout from the curcuit.  I guess I am getting fitter.

my first guess is that you may be slightly dehydrated?? I bet you are getting way fitter...time to change it up right? increase speed, intensity, etc. Your heart is getting fit baby!! 

All I am doing is walking around to take the kids to more Dr appts, I am holding off because of the pain in my side, everything exasperates it more...

Take it easy then sunshine. Make sure to get some rest...HUGS!! 

Just take into account that calories burned are just based on standard formulas and might not apply to you (use them to compare workouts, not as hard numbers)

The Max HR forumula is just a formula someone made up to fit a curve of data they had for a bunch of males. It's a bell curve ... pay attention to your breathing to judge your intensity

you are correct in that 'formulas' are statistical data and on a bell curve. There is the standardized old formula not sure if gender specific?? and there are newer ones out there for both men and women. 

Max HR formulas (programmed into the HR monitors) are tools such as BMI and other charts.

And yes, deficits in calories burned are 'soft' numbers not hard data....sooooo...but it is the best darned 'guestimates' we can get. And for a numbers person like me...i like all the tools i can get and get frustrated if one says one thing and the other another. That's why I love the HRM's...

I have a poloar F7 and it gives me great feedback on calories expended. Intensity...well, lets just say I have found my max hr a few times working out...lol....i know when i am 'peaked'.

Walk 45 minutes each way to the light rail and stair training after work tonight

Diana,

Could you recommend a good reasonably priced HRM?

Polar is a great product...I think local sporting good store have 'em for about $40...OR I bet online places may have better priced. I have a polar f7 model and it is good for my athletic level...

Mio is another lower priced one but it is strapless....and i'm not sure how accurate it is. They say it is but wouldn't they all say that?? lol

Let us know if you get one and how you like it :)