Understanding your target heart rate can help you plan an effective workout. Your target heart rate is the range at which you should exercise to improve your cardiovascular fitness. It is usually expressed as a percentage of your maximum heart rate.
There are a few different ways to calculate your target heart rate. One common method is to use the Karvonen formula:
Target heart rate = [(maximum heart rate – resting heart rate) x % intensity] + resting heart rate
For example, if your maximum heart rate is 200 beats per minute (bpm) and your resting heart rate is 60 bpm, your target heart rate for moderate-intensity exercise would be:
[(200 – 60) x 0.5] + 60 = 120 bpm
Another way to calculate your target heart rate is to use a heart rate monitor. This device can measure your heart rate in real-time and provide feedback on whether you are within your target zone.