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.