Understand the Importance of Heart Rates

When you know your resting heart rate, you can make sure you’re reaching your full potential when you exercise. That’s because your pulse, measured in heats per minute, tells you how much effort your heart and body are putting in. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends that you exercise at aerobic intensity levels of 60 to 90 percent of your maximum heart rate. But, if you’re new to exercise, we recommend exercising so that your heart rate is 60 percent or less of its maximum potential and progressing gradually into higher levels of intensity so you don’t put too much strain on the heart muscle.

While it may seem that you are only putting in a light effort, you are still benefiting your metabolism by training your cardiovascular system to work more efficiently and by burning calories.