Darrylpace

Getting In Better Aerobic Shape

June 10, 2009

Do you have to train all out in order to improve your aerobic fitness level? Nope. Aerobic fitness levels improve if you regularly exercise at 55 to 70% of your maximum heart rate. This is conversational level exercise (in other words, you can exercise at this level and carry on a conversation). It is not uncomfortable to exercise at this level. Age-predicted maximum heart rate can be calculated by subtracting age from 220. So, for a 40 year old, estimated max heart rate is 220 – 40 = 180 beats per minute. 55% to 70% of 180 equals 99 to 126 beats per minute. If you’ve been avoiding cardio exercise because you hate the way it feels, try it at this level. You may be pleasantly surprised. Darryl