Still working out? What do you aim for re: heart rate?

BabyCopper

Let me preface by saying that I was told by my doctor that I could continue to work out, did NOT have to abide by the (old) rule of staying under 140bpm for heart rate - just so long as I could breathe and kept hydrated. 

Just curious what heart rate people aim to achieve when working out now? 

I'm at about 26/27weeks and I end up keeping it usually between 140-155.  I don't usually top 160.  

Luv2Run1st

I don't go by heart rate. If you are able to breathe and talk, you are staying in a good range. If you are out of breath, then you are higher. I think you are fine by the numbers you have listed. 

SparkleK

I try to base it on how I feel, which is pretty much always under 150-155.

stepgirl21

140 is like walking to me - I barely feel like I'm working out so I go more with how I feel. I work out where I feel winded but I can still talk and Im not sucking wind and dying. Usually around 150 - 165.

sarahbear

I never check my heart rate. I go by how I feel.

vegandy

I work out about 5x a week, I don't push myself whatsoever.  I never check my heart rate, I just stay where I am comfortable.

Alyssajoy87

When I was pregnant, I tried to keep my HR under 160 when I worked out. If I noticed that I was getting particularly out of breath, I slowed it down a bit.

Aloe0l

Pre-pregnancy I would average 155-165 for an entire workout.  Now, I feel very winded at 155.  So, I try to keep it around that, but, I'm not SO strict that if it goes over, I immediately slow down.  If I'm feeling good, I keep it up there.  Usually depends on the day and depends on what cardio I'm doing. 

nic1224

I teach a BodyCombat class and I never check my HR.  I just go based on how I feel i.e. if I can talk and breathe.  As long as it feels comfortable and you were doing it before you got pregnant keep doing it.  Your body will tell you when it's not right.  Sometimes I have to stop and grab some water, or I will just coach the class while I catch my breath.

stpetegirl

I really don't pay much attention. I am usually between 145-160. I use the ellipitcal (sp?) and I try to focus more on my rpm or whatever it's called. I like that to stay between 145-155 with bursts of increased energy. 

cookieinva

From what I've seen of this question being asked before, some doctors recommend staying under a particular HR and others instead advise to go by how you feel or a perceived rate of exertion. My dr advised me to go no higher than about 150 which ends up roughly corresponding to how I feel anyway, meaning that is right around when I might start to not be able to carry a conversation comfortably. I think that is a good common sense kind of guideline - to make sure you can still carry on a conversation. Also common sense but be careful not to get dehydrated or overheated.