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I just used my brand new heart rate monitor for my workout and it displayed 170 for most of the workout.  Is it broke?  Should I take it back?  How can my heart rate be that high?

Most heart rate monitors work correctly.  I would say that it is not broke and that you should not take it back.  Most new heart rate monitor users find out that they were working way to hard.  They find that using a heart rate monitor correctly does not allow them to have painful workouts with difficult recoveries, yet they continue to improve month after month and year after year with the proper usage of the heart rate monitor.

I have: calculated my optimal aerobic heart rate range;  programmed it into my HRM and set the audible alarm.   When I start my workout the alarm is constantly going off.  It is very embarrassing, because I have run with this same group of runners for years.  What can I do?

Assuming that you have calculated your optimal aerobic heart rate range correctly and that you have been physically fit for the last 2 years, try running on your own for a few weeks.  Focus on walking when your heart rate goes above your range and running when it goes below the range.  After 2 to 4 weeks ( assuming 3 to 5 workouts per week), you should be able to stay in your optimal aerobic heart rate range.  If not, then you might want to see a fitness professional and get your AT tested.

When I run or bike with a group of other runners or cyclists my heart rate monitor has very erratic data.  Sometimes it displays 220 or 0.  What is the problem?

If you are working out with other heart rate monitor users, make sure that you have a digital or coded transmitter unit.  These units are designed to eliminate “crosstalk” from other heart rate monitors.  The digital units will prevent the crosstalk the best, but coded units are usually sufficient to prevent it also.

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My resting heart rate is 10 bpm higher than my normal resting heart rate for the last 7 days.  Should I skip today’s workout? 

Yes, your resting heart rate is a great indicator for overtraining and 10 beats per minute higher than the previous day is a good indicator of your body’s need for a rest day.

I have started my workout in my optimal aerobic heart rate range (OAHRR), but my heart rate won’t stay in the range.  It is always going above the range.  What can I do?  Can I just work above my OAHRR?

If you are running, try walking.  If you are walking, try walking slower.  If your training program specifies working in your OAHRR, then it is a good idea to keep your heart rate in the OAHRR for that workout.  What good is a plan, when it is not followed?

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I have downloaded my heart rate data and the values are much lower than the previous week for the same workout.  Can I increase the intensity of my workouts?

Not necessarily.  You should congratulate yourself on a great week of workouts and continue until your next scheduled Fitness Test.  Your Fitness Test is the best indicator of when to modify your workout plan.

I just finished my fitness test and my heart rate was 5 beats per minute lower than the previous fitness test.  Is it time to move my optimal aerobic heart rate range up?

Not necessarily.  If you do decide to move your OAHRR up, then make sure that you pay attention to your resting heart rate for the next couple of weeks.  If it goes up, then you were not ready to change your OAHRR up.  Return to the previous range and continue training.