Your heart rate is the number of times your heart beats in one minute. Your maximum heart rate is the maximum number of times your heart should beat per minute at a safe level. To find your approximate maximum heart rate subtract your age from 220.
Your target heart rate is a percentage of the maximum heart rate. This number will tell you how hard your heart is being stressed during cardiovascular exercise. You should exercise your heart at 50% – 85% of your max heart rate at least 3 times a week in order to increase heart health.
During the first few weeks of working out try to workout at a lower target heart rate (around 50 – 60%). Then, gradually build up to the higher range (85%). After a few months you may be able to exercise comfortably at up to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate. You don’t have to increase your heart rate to that level consistently to stay in shape.
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