Healthy Living Home Page Home Physicians Hospitals Jobs Healthy Living Web Babies Classes News

Pay Bill

 

Health Alliance Healthy Living For Bones, Muscles and Joints

 

April 1998
Aerobic Exercise Within Your Target Heart Rate Zone

It not only strengthens your heart and lungs, but it also provides positive mental benefits.

Regular aerobic activity can benefit almost everyone. It not only strengthens your heart and lungs, but it also provides positive mental benefits.

Guidelines for aerobic exercise are easy to remember by using the FITT Principle.

Frequency 3 - 5 times per week
Intensity 60 - 85% maximum heart rate
Time   30 - 45 minutes of continuous activity
Type Activities could include swimming, walking, jogging, cycling and rowing 

Father with son on bikeChallenge yourself without overdoing it. A simple way to determine the intensity of your workout is to use the walk-talk-sing method. You should be able to talk while exercising. If you can sing while exercising, you need to pick up the pace. If you cannot talk, you definitely need to slow down!

You also can be more scientific in calculating your target heart rate zone. If you are just starting an exercise program, keep your intensity to 60 - 75% of your maximum heart rate. Over time, you will become stronger and should consider increasing to 75 - 85%.

Calculate Your Target Zone

1. Determine your resting heart rate, meaning how many times your heart beats in one minute before any exercise.
2. Follow the mathematical formula below to determine your target zone.

 ((220 - your age) - resting heart rate) x (60% to 85%) + resting heart rate
Example:   Age 26, resting heart rate 96
((220 - 26 = 194) - 96) = 98
 98 x .60 = 58.8 + 96 = 154.8
 98 x .85 = 83.3 + 96 = 179.3
Target Heart Rate Zone 155 - 179

The Health Alliance hospitals routinely host many types of support groups and classes; check back often, as new events are being planned now.
 

Contact Us:
Find A Physician
1-888-749-DRDR

.

 

 


 
Find a Physician 1-888-749-DRDR

Healthy Living Articles
© Copyright 2002 The Health Alliance 
All rights reserved.
Updated 10/21/05
Send this page to a friend!
Write the Webmaster
Health Alliance Home Page Physicians Hospitals Jobs Healthy Living Web Babies Classes News