To measure your
heart rate during exercise, take your 10 second pulse. This
number, multiplied by six, represents your heart rate - or heart
beats per minute. Studies recommends that healthy adults
exercise at a target level of 60-90% of their maximum heart
rate. Compare your 10-second pulse to the target range shown
above. If you fall below your target range, you may be
exercising at a low intensity. Low intensity exercise is
generally recommended for those with low levels of fitness. If
you fall above your target range, your intensity may be too
high. Achieving 70-90% of maximum heart rate is typically
recommended only for those with excellent to superior levels of
fitness. For men and women at an average level of fitness, an
intensity of 60-70% of maximum heart rate is desired. This
intensity corresponds to the lower part of the range listed
above.
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