shown the best way to do this is not to establish heart rate numbers based upon age, but rather based upon how you feel.

The following chart will allow you to log your heart rate numbers based upon how you feel when working out. Simply log the heart rate numbers you find when you feel you are working at each of the specific intensities.

A. Zone

Description

Your Heart Rate

Approximate

 

 

 

Percentage of

 

 

 

Maximum Heart

 

 

 

Rate

 

 

 

 

1

Easy

Insert the heart

50%-65%

 

Warm-Up

rate you get when you

 

 

Cool-down

are working in Zone 1

 

 

 

 

 

2

Challenging, but

Insert the heart

65%-75%

 

comfortable

rate you get when you

 

 

Steady endurance

are working in Zone 2

 

 

pace

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

Challenging and

Insert the heart rate

75%-85%

 

uncomfortable

you get when you are

 

 

Race pace

working in Zone 3

 

 

 

 

 

4

Breathless

Insert the heart rate

85%-95%

 

Not maximum,

you get when you are

 

 

but winded

working in Zone 4

 

 

Can’t keep the pace

 

 

 

for very long

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you get in better shape, the heart rate number you obtain for each zone will get higher and higher, which means your heart is able to handle higher intensities. Or you may find that your numbers don’t change, but you are able to stay in Zone 3 and Zone 4 longer than you used to.

Don’t get too attached to any specific number or target heart rate. If you train properly, you will notice numbers that used to be difficult have now become easier. You will also notice that if you are sick or over-tired, you may find that numbers that usually feel fairly easy are one day much harder, and it is a good sign to take a break. If you notice that numbers that are usually very challenging are one day fairly easy, then it is a good time to push yourself.

Listening to your body, and using your heart rate numbers (when available) will enable you to keep track of your intensity and see your progress as you train.

FITNESS GUIDE

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Schwinn 112, 212 manual 75%-85%