It’s a debate whether it is required to measure heart rate during workout or not. Though it is necessary for those who are working out under medical supervision but not for others. However, it is important to know your maximum heart rate zone, target zone and optimal zone, so that you can workout to your capacity. You will not overdo or under do.
The maximum heart rate can be determined by your age. You can subtract your age from 220 to get the maximum heart rate.
The desired target heart rate is the heart rate where you are not overworking your heart. The desired heart rate can be calculated:
- Moderate Intensity: 50-70% of your maximum heart rate or multiply maximum heart rate with 0.7.
- Vigorous Intensity: 70 to 85% of your maximum heart rate or multiply maximum heart rate with 0.85.
For beginners, you can start with the lower zone and move upto your way to higher zone.