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What happens if I exceed my target heart range during exercise?

National Academy of Sports Medicine
National Academy of Sports Medicine
answer

You may not experience any negative effects by exceeding your target heart rate every once in a while for short durations. However, continually exceeding your target heart rate may lead to overtraining. Overtraining syndrome commonly occurs in athletes or fitness enthusiasts who are training beyond the body’s ability to recover. When an individual is performing excessive amounts of exercise without proper rest and recovery, there may be some harmful side effects. Some of these side effects may include decreased performance, fatigue, altered hormonal states, poor sleeping patterns, reproductive disorders, decreased immunity, loss of appetite, and mood disturbances.

Dr. Vonda Wright, MD
Dr. Vonda Wright, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
answer
If you continually exercise above your target range, your heart may not be able to keep up with your oxygen demand, and you will switch from the efficient aerobic form of exercise to the inefficient anaerobic form. The anaerobic form produces lactic acid as a byproduct and causes muscle soreness.
Fitness After 40: How to Stay Strong at Any Age

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Fitness After 40: How to Stay Strong at Any Age

It's one of the undeniable facts of life. After we reach a certain age, our bodies change. No matter how fit we may have been at 20, we're very different people after 40. But growing older doesn't...

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.