How can i do cardio while keeping my heart in the target range?

Question

i'm 18 and not overweight, and i am trying to get in better shape. when i run or do the elliptical machine, my heart rate jumps to the 200's. my target rate should be about 160, but i can't seem to sustain that while i work out.

Answer 1

then just brisk walk

Answer 2

First, I'd be suspicious of the heart rate monitor.  It's not uncommon for them to give poor readings.

See if you can verify on a different machine that your heart-rate gets that high or else get a different heart rate monitor.

If your heart rate is really getting that high, you may want to see a doctor and find out if something else is wrong.

Everyone is different, but in general 200 beats per minute would be about your maximum heart rate.  This is not where you want to be when doing cardio.