Target Heart Rate

Synonyms

Exercise, exercise training zone, heart rate, maximum heart rate (MHR), pulse, pulse rate, resting heart rate (RHR), training heart rate.

Background

Target heart rate (THR), or training heart rate, is a desired range of heart rate reached during aerobic exercise at which the heart is being exercised but not overworked. This theoretical range varies from person to person and is based on one's fitness level, age and physical condition. The THR can be calculated by using a range of 50-85% intensity.

Calculating the target heart rate requires knowing one's maximum heart rate (HRmax). This number may be calculated by subtracting one's age in years from the number 220. So, according to this equation, a 39 year-old would have a maximum heart rate of 181.

There is consensus that, in order to promote general health, at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity should be performed, three or more days per week. This consensus is based on various studies from the World Health Organization, American Heart Association, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among others.

Sedentary people and those with low physical fitness levels may benefit from 30 minutes of moderate activity, three days per week. To obtain increased benefits, those with better conditions should exercise longer and/or at a higher intensity (e.g. 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous activity, five or more days per week).

Any activity that is rhythmic and aerobic in nature, uses large muscle groups and can be maintained continuously, is recommended for general health and fitness. Activities that can be practiced as part of everyday life are particularly useful. Examples include brisk walking, climbing stairs, cycling, dancing, jogging/running, hiking, low-impact aerobic exercises, swimming, skipping rope, ice/roller skating and various endurance games and sport activities.

Duration is related to intensity. Lower-intensity activity should be conducted over a longer period of time than higher-intensity activity. For example, 60 minutes of slow biking at 50 percent capacity (moderate activity) is comparable to 30 minutes of fast biking at 80 percent aerobic capacity (vigorous activity).

Although longer sessions are generally preferable, their duration may hinder compliance among some people. In these cases it may be appropriate to recommend accumulated bouts of activity for shorter durations throughout the day (e.g. 15 minutes two or four times daily, instead of 30 or 60 minutes once daily).

Physical activity of the right duration and intensity at the appropriate frequency not only strengthens the heart and lungs, but it also helps reduce risk factors for heart disease, such as blood pressure and cholesterol. Perhaps the most common use being weight loss, also lowers your risk of heart disease or stroke.

Before starting any exercise program, consult a qualified healthcare provider. Contact a qualified health professional if pains or pressure in the left or mid chest area, left neck, shoulder, arm or jaw, breathlessness, dizziness, or chest pain occurs during physical exertion.

Target heart rate (THR), or training heart rate, is a desired range of heart rate reached during aerobic exercise at which the heart is being exercised but not overworked. This theoretical range varies from person to person and is based on one's fitness level, age and physical condition. The THR can be calculated by using a range of 50-85% intensity.

Calculating the target heart rate requires knowing one's maximum heart rate (HRmax). This number may be calculated by subtracting one's age in years from the number 220. So, according to this equation, a 39 year-old would have a maximum heart rate of 181.

There is consensus that, in order to promote general health, at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity should be performed, three or more days per week. This consensus is based on various studies from the World Health Organization, American Heart Association, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among others.

Sedentary people and those with low physical fitness levels may benefit from 30 minutes of moderate activity, three days per week. To obtain increased benefits, those with better conditions should exercise longer and/or at a higher intensity (e.g. 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous activity, five or more days per week).

Any activity that is rhythmic and aerobic in nature, uses large muscle groups and can be maintained continuously, is recommended for general health and fitness. Activities that can be practiced as part of everyday life are particularly useful. Examples include brisk walking, climbing stairs, cycling, dancing, jogging/running, hiking, low-impact aerobic exercises, swimming, skipping rope, ice/roller skating and various endurance games and sport activities.

Duration is related to intensity. Lower-intensity activity should be conducted over a longer period of time than higher-intensity activity. For example, 60 minutes of slow biking at 50 percent capacity (moderate activity) is comparable to 30 minutes of fast biking at 80 percent aerobic capacity (vigorous activity).

Although longer sessions are generally preferable, their duration may hinder compliance among some people. In these cases it may be appropriate to recommend accumulated bouts of activity for shorter durations throughout the day (e.g. 15 minutes two or four times daily, instead of 30 or 60 minutes once daily).

Physical activity of the right duration and intensity at the appropriate frequency not only strengthens the heart and lungs, but it also helps reduce risk factors for heart disease, such as blood pressure and cholesterol. Perhaps the most common use being weight loss, also lowers your risk of heart disease or stroke.

Before starting any exercise program, consult a qualified healthcare provider. Contact a qualified health professional if pains or pressure in the left or mid chest area, left neck, shoulder, arm or jaw, breathlessness, dizziness, or chest pain occurs during physical exertion.

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This feature is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the care and information received from your healthcare provider. Please consult a healthcare professional with any health concerns you may have.