Get Weight Loss Results Faster with Heart Rate Training

by: ToriiTompson
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Monitoring your heart rate can be an effective way to get the most out of your exercise program. Keeping track of your heart rate and controlling how fast or slow your heart is working when you exercise is called heart rate training. Studies are showing that heart rate training helps people reach their exercise goals quicker and more efficiently.

To begin heart rate training you must determine your maximum heart rate. This number will be used to calculate your heart rate zones. However, before you test yourself to find out what your maximum heart rate is, be honest with yourself about your fitness level:

Poor Shape: You have not exercised for a couple of months. Fair Shape: You exercise about three times a week-either walking or a form of aerobic activity. Good Shape: Your body is used to exercise because you run at least five miles a week or exercise most days.

After you have determined your fitness level, you can do the following test to find your maximum heart rate. While this test won't give you your exact maximum heart rate, it will get you in the immediate vicinity.

One Mile Walking Test: Go to a local track, or use a treadmill to walk at an even and steady pace for one mile. Take your heart rate during the last leg of your mile. If you are in poor shape, add 40. If you are in fair shape, add 50. If you are in good shape, add 60.

Now that you have determined your maximum heart rate, or maximum heart rate zone, you can start heart rate training. The most efficient and easiest way to monitor your heart rate during a workout is to use a treadmill, or other equipment, that is equipped with a heart rate control monitor. It will be your guide to let you know which heart rate zone you are in while you are working out. Using them will take the guess work out of your heart rate and let you know exactly where your heart rate is at any given moment. Machines, like treadmills, that come with heart rate control monitors act as your personal trainers and the numbers tell you whether you should maintain your pace, slow down a bit, or step it up a notch depending on your current heart rate zone.

Your Individual Heart Rate Training Zones

Unlike other forms of exercise a heart rate training workout should only last between 20-30 minutes. During the workout you should move in and out of your heart rate zones.

Healthy Heart Zone: You feel comfortable and your heart rate is at 50%-60% of your maximum heart rate.

Fitness Zone: You find it is getting a little harder to talk and you are breathing heavier. You heart rate is at 60%-70% of your maximum heart rate.

Aerobic Zone: In this zone your heart rate is 70%-80% of your maximum heart rate and you should only be able to speak in phrases.

Anaerobic Zone: Your breathing will be labored and you will only be able to gasp out a word or two. Your heart rate is 80%-90% of your maximum heart rate.

Red Line Zone: You are in your maximum output zone and you will only be able to keep up the pace in this zone for a few minutes.

As you can see, heart rate training allows you to use every moment of your workout time more efficiently. Using a treadmill, or other machine, that is equipped with a heart rate monitor will help you know exactly what your heart is doing at all times. Using these machines will take the guesswork taken out of heart rate training so you can be certain that you are one workout closer to reaching your goals.

About the Author

The Sole F80 treadmill is one of the best selling folding treadmills equipped with heart rate monitoring. Read the indepth review of this home treadmill and other best rated treadmills here.  

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