Target Heart RatesThe target heart rate is a guideline which can help you stay in a safe exercise heart rate range. This will help you improve your cardiorespiratory fitness. This means your heart and lungs will become stronger. As your age increases, your target heart rate will decrease. Show Learn how to measure your pulse / take your heart rate. The target heart rate, also known as THR, is based on 60 to 80 percent of a maximum heart rate. To figure your THR, use the table on this page.
If you are just starting an exercise routine, you may want to start out at 60 to 70 percent of your THR. As you become more fit, you may want to progress to 70 to 80 percent of your THR. Learn more about good exercise guidelines. Certain medicines will lower your heart rate response. Be sure to talk with your doctor if you have any questions.
Measuring Metabolic Energy Equivalent (MET)A metabolic energy equivalent (MET)measures how much effort an activity requires from you. Try to increase your average MET level during cardiac rehabilitation. Gradually increase your resistance and speed to increase your MET level. See the Metabolic Energy Equivalent chart to see types of activities you can measure. Learn more about MET exercises you can do:
What is a safe maximum heart rate when exercising?You can calculate your maximum heart rate by subtracting your age from 220. For example, if you're 45 years old, subtract 45 from 220 to get a maximum heart rate of 175. This is the average maximum number of times your heart should beat per minute during exercise.
What is a good heart rate for my age when exercising?You can estimate your maximum heart rate based on your age. To estimate your maximum age-related heart rate, subtract your age from 220. For example, for a 50-year-old person, the estimated maximum age-related heart rate would be calculated as 220 – 50 years = 170 beats per minute (bpm).
What happens if you exercise over max heart rate?It is possible to exceed the upper limit of your zone without any ill effects, as long as you do not have coronary artery disease or are at risk for a heart attack. What it may do, though, is leave you with a musculoskeletal injury. Exercising above 85% of your target heart rate could bring you sore joints and muscles.
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