You can find your pulse (if not, checkout RegisteredNurse right this moment!). The next step is calculating your heart rate. You will need a device that measures time - a cellphone could work - or, if you're an antiquated gentlemen you may have a timepiece in your pocket. Here's the formula: pulse count (in 15 seconds) X 4 = beats per minute Count the pulse rate for 15 seconds. Since there are 4 lots of 15 in 60 seconds (that's a whole minute!). You need to times your pulse count by 4 to give beats per minute! |
So what's your optimal heart rate to exercise at?
75% of your maximum heart rate! Your theoretical maximum is 220 - your age. Check here for exercises to help you practice this calculation.
For example, if your age is 20, your maximum heart rate is:
220-20=200 bpm
Your optimal heart rate is 75% of that so times the maximum by 75% (which is the same as multiplying by 0.75 or 3/4).
0.75*200=150 bpm or 3/4*200=600/4=150bpm
So if you're 20 years old, exercise with a heart rate of 150bpm, this would be optimal - you would be...in the zone!
75% of your maximum heart rate! Your theoretical maximum is 220 - your age. Check here for exercises to help you practice this calculation.
For example, if your age is 20, your maximum heart rate is:
220-20=200 bpm
Your optimal heart rate is 75% of that so times the maximum by 75% (which is the same as multiplying by 0.75 or 3/4).
0.75*200=150 bpm or 3/4*200=600/4=150bpm
So if you're 20 years old, exercise with a heart rate of 150bpm, this would be optimal - you would be...in the zone!