5. TARGET HEART RATE ZONE

Heart rate is an accurate measure of workout intensity.

Maximum heart rate, or HRmax, is the highest number of heartbeats per minute (bpm) in an all-out effort. Training intensities can be expressed as percentages of HRmax. There are three different exercise zones: Hard, Moderate, and Light.

HRmax = Maximum heart rate (220-age)

HARD

Benefits: Maximizes performance capacity.

What it feels like: Heavy breathing, intense sweating and tiredness in muscles.

Recommended for: Fit persons and for short exercise sessions.

MODERATE

Percentage of maximum heart rate

HARD 80-90%

MODERATE 70-80%

LIGHT 60-70%

Beats per minute

HRmax

200HRmax

190

180

171

160

152

140

133

120

114

HRmax

180 HRmax

170 HRmax

162160

153

144144

136

126128

119

108112

102

96

Benefits: Improves aerobic fitness.

What it feels like: Good, easy breathing, moderate sweating.

Recommended for: Everybody, for sessions of moderate length.

LIGHT

Benefits: Helps in weight management. Improves basic endurance and is good for recovery exercise.

What it feels like: Comfortable, easy breathing, light sweating, low loading for muscles.

20

30

40

50

60 Age

Recommended for: Everybody, for longer sessions.

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Polar FS3c, FS2C user manual Target Heart Rate Zone, Heart rate is an accurate measure of workout intensity