So unhealthy - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

dkm · 01-13-2009, 12:39 AM

I've recently started to exercise and from the first day, I could only ride a bike for 10 mins, I was breathing heavy and pain in the chest area. Should I be worried? I'm pretty slim too. Is getting on a diet great to exercise first?

tjlhb · 01-13-2009, 10:00 AM

A common beginner mistake is to try to exercise too hard, going into the anaerobic zone (greater than 80% max heart rate) which is sustainable only for short sprints. The speed at which a Tour de France champion cruises for an easy ride may be a maximum effort sprint for a beginner.

You should see a doctor about the pain in the chest.

But generally, a beginner should start light, well in the aerobic zone (60% or so of max heart rate is commonly suggested) and work up to higher aerobic intensities (up to 80%) at longer durations as fitness improves. Once a reasonable level of fitness is achieved, anaerobic maximum effort sprints can be done.

Note that as your fitness improves, you will be able to go faster on the bicycle for the same intensity.

RinneyB · 01-22-2009, 12:03 AM

i remember after like a million years when i got on a bike...it was tough...your body is just not used to it...your muscles arent used to being used like that....you just have to train them...as far as the breathing...it happens eventually it should go away...just do the 10 min rides for a week or until you can ride it with no problem and you should see progress...dont push yourself but if you are still breathing heavy go to a dr