Heart Rate Information
- track your heart rate while you exercise getting a heart rate monitor is helpful
- resting heart rate (measured in beats per minute) is averagely about 70 bpm for men and 75 bpm for women
- know your max heart rate - subtract your age from 220. Example if you are 28 years old your max heart rate would be 192, its going to be an estimated number and will vary for each person but this is the number you dont want to go over
- find your target heart rate, there are a few methods for doing this
- Karvonen method
The Karvonen method factors in Resting Heart Rate (HRrest) to calculate Target Heart Rate (THR):
THR = ((HRmax HRrest) %Intensity) + HRrest
Example for someone with a HRmax of 180 and a HRrest of 70:
50% intensity: ((180 - 70) 0.50) + 70 = 125 bpm
85% intensity: ((180 - 70) 0.85) + 70 = 163 bpm
- Zoladz method
An alternative to the Karvonen method is the Zoladz method, which derives exercise zones by subtracting values from HRmax.
THR = HRmax Adjuster 5 bpm
Zone 1 Adjuster = 50 bpm
Zone 2 Adjuster = 40 bpm
Zone 3 Adjuster = 30 bpm
Zone 4 Adjuster = 20 bpm
Zone 5 Adjuster = 10 bpm
Example for someone with a HRmax of 180:
Zone 1 (easy exercise) : 180 - 50 = 130; 5 ? 125 to 135 bpm
Zone 4 (tough exercise): 180 - 20 = 160; 5 ? 155 to 165 bpm
- And a third and less scientific way is some people simply increase their goal heart rate by 5 each week
- heart rate abnormalities, while not common do exist and would be identified by your doctor, if you experience these you should discuss all exercise plans with your physician before beginning
- Know how to take your pulse properly. Place your index and middle fingers directly under your ear, then slide your fingers down until they are directly under your jawbone, pressing lightly. Start with zero on the first beat and count for 10 seconds then multiply by six. Always check your pulse frequently throughout your workout to make sure you within your target heart rate zone.
- Know when to slow down. Even without a heart rate monitor, you need to know when to begin to slow back down. A good indicator is becoming breathless, you should be able to talk and carry on mild conversation while exercising, not be breathless.
- dont just stop, cool down
Add comment July 15th, 2007