I had to look twice when I read your post. Except for the heart rate bit, all of the above applies to me also. When I go to Curves my heart rate actually goes up several points too high. I am on Norvasc for my blood pressure. As long as you feel okay I don't think it matters too much. Are you working hard at Curves? Your heart rate should go up higher if you are putting in a great effort, especially by the second circuit. Are you perspiring a lot as well. When I work out there the sweat just drips off my face. If you are working as hard as you can and you still can't get your heart rate up, I think you should first ask the trainer at Curves about it as some of them have a lot of knowledge and if that is unsatisfactory ask your doctor about it. That way you will find out if it matters and what could be causing it. I am not saying that you are one of them, but I have seen some people just going through the motions at Curves without putting any backbone into it.

if your sweating that is good for loosing weight. i dont know how anyone can run on the treadmill and not have their heart race.
what kind of exercises are you doing?

Many of the drugs designed to lower blood pressure can mess with your heart rate when you are exercising. In 2004 the American College of Sports Medicine wrote a full report on exercise guidelines for hypertensives. Included in the report were the following warnings for hypertensives on medications:

"Antihypertensive medications such as beta blockers and diuretics impair the ability to regulate body temperature during exercise in hot and/or humid environments and provoke hypoglycemia. Thus, people using these medications should be educated on the signs/symptoms of heat illness, the role of adequate hydration, proper clothing to facilitate evaporative cooling, the optimal times of the day to exercise, the importance of decreasing the exercise dosage (time and intensity) during periods of increased heat or humidity, and methods to prevent hypoglycemia. In addition, beta blockers can substantially alter submaximal and maximal exercise capacity, particularly in those without myocardial ischemia and with nonselective agents."

"Because antihypertensive agents such as alpha blockers, calcium channel blockers, and vasodilators may provoke hypotensive episodes after abrupt cessation of activity, extending the cool-down period is generally recommended."

You can read the full report at ms-se.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/msse /media/0304 [dot] pdf

Thanks norx. I find your post extremely interesting and informative and has shed some light on some of my own experiences.

It is gud that your blood pressure is under control by medication i dont understand how your heartbeat doesnt go up when running on a trademill anyways try out having a morning walk in fresh air or doing a bit of yoga at home it will really help you but keep on loosing weight once you loose your weight i think all your problems will be solved....