Does anyone have a problem getting there heart rate up? Was anyone told they needed to have a certain target heart rate when they exercise?

One of my goals I need to meet before surgery is to exercise 6 days a week and have my target heart rate between 24 & 28 for 10 seconds.

Currently I go to Curves and if anyone is a member you know that every so many min they ask you to take your heart rate. My goal for Curves is between 22 & 27 which I have no problem meeting.

When I met with my exercise therapist she told me that Curves just did an estimation and her calculations of 24 to 28 were the actual numbers I needed to be in-between.

I am having the hardest time reaching that goal no matter what I do. The closest I can come is 24.

Any suggestions?

Sounds like you're in too good of aerobic shape if you're having troubles getting your heart rate up!!

I don't know what kind of aerobic activity you're doing when you're taking your measurements, but pick something that you have trouble doing for long. For me that would be the stair master - I'm sure that after about 5 steps I'd be at 200 or some heart attack type range... lol

Maybe try some ankle weights to increase the intensity of the workout?

GOOD suggestions Donali. I know if I was on my blood pressure medications it would keep my heart rate from going up. I had a treadmill test done one time and they told me to not take that pill the morning of the test or they would never get my heart up. So, pay attention to what pills you are taking.

I agree with Donali about the aerobic activity. IF I did the stair master right now I would DIE. LOL!!!