Monitoring Your Heart Rate

Heart rate monitors are a great way to monitor the intensity of an exercise session. Generally the higher your heart rate is, the harder you are working. In order to get oxygen to the working muscles to help in the production of energy, the heart must pump harder and faster.

Tip! Decide on a fitness plan that matches your needs plus your interests. You will find it easier to maintain a positive attitude if you enjoy your workout routine.

The general guideline given for calculating your max heart rate is 220-your age. If you are 20 years old, (220-20), your max heart rate should be around 200 beats per minute.

This is a general guideline and this is some variation in this, so don't be concerned if you are exercising with a heart rate monitor and notice your max heart rate varies slightly to the calculation. The calculation is a guideline and not a hard and fast rule.

Tip! By changing up the different exercises you do, you get better benefits overall to your body. You can run around the block instead of using a treadmill.

Now that you know your max heart rate you can calculate at what intensity you would like to work at. You may want to exercise at 50-70 of 200, and 70 of your max heart rate may be the way to go.

Tip! Counting your calories helps you stay more fit. If you are aware of what you eat in one day, you will be able to lose weight.

If you want to go for a long steady state run, your best bet is to program your heart rate for a zone lower than 85 is a good aerobic training zone.

The general guideline given for calculating your max heart rate is 220-your age. If you are 20 years old, (220-20), your max heart rate should be around 200 beats per minute. You may want to exercise at 50-70 of 200, and 70 of your max heart rate may be the way to go.