u/Key_Significance_903

I misunderstood how to find my max heart rate. I've always tracked my workouts on an apple watch and the highest I saw was 174 bpm. Today I just pushes myself on the elliptical trying intervals for the first time. I kicked my own ass, it felt like my heart was trying to make more room in my lungs and almost hurt. I was panting up a storm and definitely couldn't talk but I didn't need to focus on breathing. My goal was to "find my max heart rate" without having a heart attack. I don't think I could've pushed much harder, I didn't have it in me. I'd have to be fall running down a steep hill to achieve that.

As a dummy I researched after I got home, and found the formulas. Both put me at an age of 45 y/o and I'm 27... I've been working out 3 months, 4+ days a week. Over the last year I've lost 60+lbs and built muscle. I know I shouldn't expect to be better but it still pains me to see almost 20 years added on me in cardio level.

Did I do it right? Will those numbers change as I improve? Did I not push hard enough?

I've been using the leg press once a week for months now and my legs still shake the first two sets. I go up weight comfortably but the moment I feel something, they shake. Does that mean I'm doing something wrong or I'm going to hurt myself?

Another question that might be related. I still use the leg machines at the gym bc I enjoy them more. Do I need to keep the weight between let's say leg curls and extensions? I can curl more than I can extend and I'd need an extra 2-3 sets to feel as tired on the same weight.

When I first got into fiber arts I bought one skein of everything I thought was pretty at Hobby Lobby and Joann's (RIP). I'm probably moving cross country at the end of summer and I don't know what to do with my stash. I'm new to knitting but considered knitting every skein and gifting or donating it. I even considered buying a round knitting machine to get through it easier. I don't want to waste it, and I don't know anyone who uses yarn. I thought of crocheting mini blankets and donating it to animal shelters. The biggest problem is I bought whatever was pretty, the yarns don't match in weights or textures and it's mostly a variety of acrylics. I could make one big blanket with it but I don't love scrappy projects and I've seen them sold for next to nothing and still not sell at thrift stores...