What is the best way to calculate heart rates zones while taking beta blockers?
ADVERTISEMENT
Kacy, DO NOT use target heart rate formulas for people who are on beta blockers or any other med that slows down heart rate. They won’t work. I agree with Karin and Natalie 100% – Use the RPE scale (0-10 version) and the Talk Test. These will be better.
While the 6-20 RPE scale can give an idea of exercise HR, its irrelevant in this instance since they are on Beta Blockers. I like the 0-10 scale since its easier to understand for most people.
I teach personal training and I instruct trainers to forget what the textbooks say about target heart rate. I don’t like it as the main mode of gauging exercise intensity.
The RPE scale and Talk test will work with 99% of your clients too -not just the people with blood pressure/heart problems.