More About Heart Rate

Posted by Oliver Toshevski on

Heart rate, the speed of the heartbeat, is measured by the number of contractions of the heart per minute (bpm). It varies according to the body’s physical demands, such as the need for oxygen absorption and carbon dioxide excretion. Generally matching the pulse felt at any peripheral point, heart rate changes with physical exercise, sleep, emotions like anxiety and stress, illness, and the effects of drugs.

According to the American Heart Association, the normal resting heart rate for adults is 60–100 bpm. Tachycardia refers to a fast heart rate, defined as above 100 bpm at rest, while Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, defined as below 60 bpm at rest. It's common and normal for the heart rate to slow to 40–50 bpm during sleep. An irregular heartbeat pattern is known as Arrhythmia, which can sometimes signal a disease.

A normal resting heart rate for adults spans from 60 to 100 bpm. A lower resting heart rate typically indicates more efficient heart function and superior cardiovascular fitness. For instance, a well-trained athlete may have a resting heart rate near 40 bpm.

Heart rate is influenced by various factors, including temperature, body position, physical activity, emotions, and time of day.

To accurately measure your resting heart rate, sit and rest for 5 minutes before taking the measurement, preferably first thing in the morning while still in bed. Then, compare your resting heart rate to the average rate for your age and gender. 

 

Training Benefits

Target zone

Level

% of max HR bpm range

Example duration

Training benefit

Maximum PERFORMANCE

MAXIMUM

90-100%

171-190 bpm

Less than 5 minutes

Benefits: Increases maximum sprint race speed.

Recommended for: very fit persons/athletes.

PERFORMANCE

HARD

89-90%

152-171 bpm

2-10 minutes

Benefits: Increases maximum performance capacity.

Recommended for: Fit users and short exercises

Fat burn/ Improve Fitness

MODERATE

70-80%

133-152 bpm

10-40 minutes

Benefits: Improves aerobic fitness.

Recommended for: Everybody, for moderately long exercises.

Body Toning/Weight loss

LIGHT

60-70%

114-133 bpm

40-80 minutes

Benefits: Maintaining shape and improving basic endurance

Recommended for: Everybody.

Body Toning

VERY LIGHT

50-60%

104-114 bpm

20-40 minutes

Benefits: Improves overall health and metabolism

Recommended for: Basic training for beginners, seniors, weight management, and active recovery. 

Please note, this app is designed exclusively for fitness and wellness purposes and is not suitable for diagnosing, treating, or preventing any diseases.


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