Is heart rate information the same as perceived exertion? If so, why do I need a heart rate monitor?

Posted 12 December 2007

Perceived exertion is subjective – your perception of how hard you are exercising. Heart rate is objective, a real-time measurement. One of my favorite examples is the student who comes to a cycle class without cycle shorts. Often, his/her perception of how hard he is working is based on the discomfort of the seat, not the work of the body. He perceives a harder workout than the heart rate monitor displays. One workout based on perceived exertion may not skew his overall fitness. But continual training using perceived exertion will not give him the feedback he needs to improve fitness efficiently and in a timely manner.

*Alinda Perrine, O.D., M.P.H.
© 2007 ZoneX™ Sensible Heart Rate Training*

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