Many professional athletes and coaches use and recommend the use of pulse frequency monitors. The use of one ensures that you will get the maximum benefit from your training. That means less wasted effort and better results.
But what about the man who is overweight and wants to lose a few pounds? Maybe more than a few. Let’s take Ted as an example. Ted weighs 260 pounds and would love to lose weight. He is a six-foot, 50-year-old man who is completely inactive at the moment.
Ted was in the army, so he started practicing PT, training physically, from his days in the army. In about 5 minutes, Ted exhaled and ran out. He can feel his heart beating in his chest. So Ted sits down and decides that maybe he’ll exercise when it’s a little colder. Maybe that will help. Then, a week later, Ted wakes up early. He thinks that since he woke up, maybe he would try to exercise again. After all, in the army everyone practiced early in the morning. Maybe that’s the secret.
Then, Ted starts his smooth fly. Slightly slower than a run, but faster than a brisk walk. And again in about 5 minutes, Ted is wasted. He can barely catch his breath and can feel his heart running. Ted realizes he needs some advice.
Ted goes and talks to his old friend Jack. Jack went to school with Ted, but now he trains the track at a local school. Ted explains the exercises he tried and how he couldn’t breathe, and how he could feel his heart beating. Jack went to his desk and picked up a nice sports watch. He explained to Ted about how you can exaggerate the exercises. And if you disagree, it’s very easy to do.
Jack explained that, even when Ted exercises, his heart rate should never exceed 170 beats per minute. That’s the most common. He also needs to adjust his training so that his level is between 85 and 145 beats per minute (BPM). Jack puts the watch on Ted and tells Ted to make a slow change. Ted starts his exchange and a few minutes later his level goes up to 160 BPM. He exhales and again he can feel his heart beating. Jack interrupts him and shows him how he is really wasting his efforts.
After a few minutes of rest, Ted is ready to try again. This time, Jack Ted is just walking around the gym. He also tells Ted to keep an eye on the training watch to monitor his body rhythm. After a few minutes, Ted is surprised when he enters and stands firm at 118 BPM. Ted feels good and, more importantly, he can breathe. He can even hold a conversation. Jack explains that Ted worked too hard. And if Ted simply maintains his target zone, which is from 85 to 145 BPM, for 20 minutes, he will increase his metabolic rate and lose weight.
Ted was confused about how easy it could be. I mean, he didn’t even miss or anything. Jack explained that he can do more intense training, sometimes increasing his body rate to 145 BPM. But any exercise in that range was beneficial. Jack also explained that when he is in better shape, Ted will be able to do more intense exercise while keeping his body rhythm in the target zone.
Even if you refuse, consider using a wearable breathing rate monitor. They can help motivate you to continue your exercises. They can help you adjust your training according to your current fitness.