|
|
| Start your Diet Profile here... It's FREE! |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
| Target Heart Rate |
|
|
When you exercise, your body speeds up, and so does your heart as it works to meet your
increased energy needs. But how much speeding-up of your heart is safe when you exercise?
You need the answer to this question in order to maximize your exercise benefits
while not overworking your heart.
Your target heart rate is not one rate but a range of rates (beats per minute, or bpm) that
are safe for you to reach during exercise. For most healthy people, the American Council of
Sports Medicine recommends an exercise target heart rate ranging from 60% to 85% of your
maximum heart rate, which is normally calculated as the number 220 minus your age.
|
|
|
|
|
NOTE: Your browser must support Javascript for the calculator to work.
|
|
| Taking Your Pulse |
Now that you know your target heart rate, check your bpm (take your pulse) regularly as you
exercise. An easy way to do this is to count your heartbeats (pulse) for 10 seconds using
your watch, and then multiply this number by 6 to get your bpm.
You can feel your heartbeats in several ways, such as by placing your fingers lightly but
firmly over the inside of your wrist or on your neck just below the angle of your jaw. (Be
careful not to put too much pressure on the neck; this can slow the heart down and can
be dangerous in people with blockages of blood vessels in the neck.) You can also place your
palm over your heart and count the number of beats that you feel.
If you have any questions or concerns about your exercise regimen, including your target heart
rate, consult your doctor or a trained exercise specialist.
|
|
