Exertion Level
Just curious what exertion level people like to reach. Assuming giving 100% really means giving it your all - no 110% is possible, what's your aim?
I used to like to hit that 70% at times. Now that's no longer safe. On good days with medication, 50% is usually alright for me.
@AffyAvo
As a Zumba Instructor, I used to think hitting that highest level was best. I thought I had to go out of my way to really exert myself to lead a great class.... but then I started to learn more and more from my mentors, and decided that I could give a "great" class, while "also" holding back a little...maybe giving that 50%. By leading, and then allowing the students to keep going and "cueing" them on their next moves, I could allow myself to catch a breath, slow down my own heart rate a little, and then build myself back up again. In the beginning I was completely going "ALL OUT"! and practically killing myself and body to do so. I ended up with a foot problem at one point as well on because I used it so much and so hard........
I don't think we have to "kill ourselves" by trying to give that 100% all the time just to see "Results".... I do think that by eating right, and finding activity that you enjoy, and that also "Challenges" you while knowing your own limits gives great results. Our heart rates should be challenged for great cardio-vascular health as well reaching those zones that take you slightly out of your own comfort zone. And of course we must also remember our own safety and limitations. Right now, because I had take some time away from exercising for awhile due to some of my own issues, now that I have been getting back into it, I find that trying to stay within 50-75% is a good place for me, while trying to build myself back up.
Hey Everyone!!....
So,.... I'm sure most here know that our "Heart Rates" change with the "Beats" of Music that we listen too......I have been taking a 2 mile walk after my dinner for the past month. I notice it takes me about 40 minutes to travel the same path (hills and all)...At the end of my walk My average HeartRate was in the 140's Highest making it to the 170's (Which basically puts me in the Highest percentile of cardio workout) Or the Maximum Range of 80%.....
Since I walk with my significant other, he is a pretty quiet person, and the silence can get to me at times... and sometimes climbing those hills its hard to talk anyway.... So I decided to break out my IPOD after a month of us walking and put it to use... I noticed a significant change in my Heart Rate and workout intensity due to the "Music".......My workout actually "DECREASED" in its intensity....and I burned "LESS" Calories...... About 120 calories less in the same 40 minutes. I feel this is due to the way MUSIC alters our Heart Rate. (I felt I was concentrating more on the music than the walk) which was great! BUT...... my output was definitely down.
RESULTS WITHOUT MUSIC: Tracker rated it High Intensity 30 out of 40 minutes, Average HR: 150/minute CALORIES BURNED: 624 (with FITBIT BLAZE Tracker) with Average being 600 calories
RESULTS WITH MUSIC: Moderate Intensity 30 of 40 minutes Average HR: 132/Minute CALORIES BURNED: 502 (Fitbit Blaze Tracker)
**YOU BE THE JUDGE OF YOUR OWN RESULTS WITH AND WITHOUT MUSIC**....... 
@PoliteOcean Interesting.
I saw an article where someone noticed that their symptoms were correlated with their heart rate. Wish I could remember where! It was a good measure for them about whether or not they were doing to much - and not just while doing things specifically to 'exercise'.
It's not something I'm super into paying attention to if it doesn't correlate with my symptoms, but maybe I can find/borrow a fit bit or something similar for a while to see if it does correlate. If so, would be worth having to keep my eye on it. Who know, maybe it will be a decent indicator that I'm not doing great that day even if I'm feeling ok to help warn me that I need to take it easier than what I think just based on how I feel.
200% because i need 2 burn off ALL my fat.