Heart Rate and Aerobic Training

This zone of 50 to 60% of maximum heart rate is mainly for health management and represents a level of intensity in which most people can exercise comfortably.  This zone is particularly appropriate for low fit, inactive individuals and people recovering from medical difficulty.  The moderate aerobic zone represents the first step to improved cardiovascular fitness for most people.

This zone of 60 to 70% of maximum heart rate is often referred to as the "Fat Burning Zone" because this level of intensity is moderate enough for most people to be able to exercise comfortably for long periods of time and thus utilise fat as a primary fuel source.

This zone of 70 to 80% of maximum heart rate is mainly for the improvement of cardiovascular fitness, it is often referred to as the "Aerobic Training Zone".  It also helps to provide a larger endurance base for more intense aerobic exercise.

This zone of 80 to 90% of maximum heart rate is the highest level of aerobic training and is only suitable for very well trained individuals. It can help you increase your speed and prepare you to work harder for longer by raising your anaerobic threshold.

Copyright © 2011 Lesley Sherwood