Maybe some bitter apple spray for the treads.

Jo

Before you go patting yourself on the back toooo much ...

I'm pretty sure that it's entirely healthy to have a high heart rate when
you're working out.  It's when you're at rest that it's a concern.

Here's some light reading on the subject:

http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/1973.html

When you're at rest, a slow, steady heart beat is good because your heart's
only chance to rest is between beats.  When you're actually moving, your heart
needs to work harder, of course.

As an example, take Lance Armstrong.  According to this article, his resting
heart rate is 32bpm, but he can get up to around 200 when he's really exerting
himself:

http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/?020715fa_fact1

(some poking around online shows that the numbers may be around 40 and 190,
but you get the idea)

So, if you're 40 (number plucked from the air), your max rate might be 180, so
your target rate during exercise would be (if you follow the averages, which
you certainly might not!) 90-135.  Bear in mind, though, that having a rate
higher than that does *not* indicate that a person is unhealthy.

Or, to put it another way ... it's possible that you need to push yourself a
little more on this thing to reach your target heart rate.  On the other hand,
if you're not accustomed to exercise, please do take it slowly and don't push
yourself too hard.

I personally find the heart rate thing to be a pain, so I go by Covert
Bailey's suggestion, which is an optimal aerobic workout allows you to speak
words and short phrases, but does not allow you to carry on a conversation.
If you're so short of breath that you can't say, "Hi, how are you?", then
you're on into an anaerobic workout.  Which is what Lance is almost certainly
doing when he pushes 200 bpm.

All of this is completely amateur and you shouldn't believe a word I say,
except that you might want to do some research yourself and talk to your
doctor.

Ooor you could mention your goals (weight loss? Increased fitness? etc) and I
will happily babble my amateur knowledge, as I love talking about this stuff.

Wow, sounds like an awesome fort for the kitties!

In <44vHd.32446$_56.15565@fe2.texas.rr.com>,
Victor Martinez  <me@nospam.com> shouted to everyone in earshot,

Woohoo!  Boxes with holes!

I have a box from a tall kitchen trash can.  The top is wedged open
for entry/exit, and there's a hole in the side, originally for viewing
the nice stainless steel of the can--and the perfect size for a kitty
head.  Jimmer is usually the one in the box, and the other two are the
ones sticking their heads in through the viewport and getting bopped.

I, too, have left this box in my living room, complete with towel for
kitty comfort, since there's a lot more sleeping than bopping in this
house.  It's sure cheaper than real cat furniture.

Jeff

I'm so glad to hear your whole family is having fun with the new "toy".
Best wishes,

Cats and cardboard.  Can't go wrong there.  Sounds like the whole
family is having fun with the new toys.  

I want a new toy.

And nothing wrench like or trowel like or anything to do with
concrete.

-bonbon

That's great you like your workout machine.  However, you have to keep
your heart rate higher than 120 if you want to maximize the benefits
from your workouts.  120 won't burn many calories.  Just go harder and
keep it above 140.  I try to stay over 150 actually.
Another very good way to work out is high intensity interval training.
Google HIIT or fartleks.  You go as hard as you can for a minute or so
and then back off and go slow for about the same amount of time.  This
will melt fat off your body for sure :-)
Have fun!
--
Britta
Sandpaper kisses, a cuddle and a purr. I have an alarm clock that's
covered in fur!
Check out pictures of Vino at:
http://photos.yahoo.com/badwilson click on the Vino album