Hi all.

I was wondering if anyone else experienced a high pulse rate when working out at the gym without really pushing themselves.

I accept that I am unfit as I have been inactive for quite some time and my job has got less and less active as the years have gone by, but I was surprised how my pulse rocketed up to 140-160 + after a matter of minutes without a great deal of effort. I was not out of breath at all and my resting pulse rate is normally around 80.I am 32 years old 6ft - 16 stone (lost a stone in last couple of months)

What I am asking is..

Is this because I am unfit?

Is this because I suffer from anxiety? (Not feeling particularly anxious at the moment, although I have been worrying about my heart of late)

If this is because I have only just started going to the gym, can I expect that it will take more effort to get my pulse up to this level as I get fitter (I have been told that only recovery rate decreases)

I am trying to sort myself out, but I am worried that the machines I am using say my pulse rate is so high.

Thanks to anyone who may have some advice.