While doing aerobic exercise heart rate is very important. In order for the body to benefit from any type of aerobic exercise the person doing the exercise must meet the aerobic heart rate that is appropriate for them. Generally, the person training needs to reach 60 to 85% percent of their maximum heart rate. If the person is in poor shape their percentage may be lower.
A person’s target heart rate helps them to determine their fitness level. It can also aid in training as it helps to determine the pace. In order to achieve optimal exercise a person can’t exercise too fast or too slow, pace is important.
There are different formulas to determine your maximum heart rate. A person who exercises can measure their maximum heart rate by taking their pulse during exercise.
People do not always prefer to have to take their pulse during exercise. In this case they can use the “conversational pace” to determine if they are working hard or hard enough. If you can have a conversation while you are exercising then you probably are not working hard enough. This method may not work if you are doing very strenuous exercise such as running.
A physician is the best person to determine what a person’s target heart rate is and what percentage they should aim for while training or exercising. A physician can also determine the best method to check your heart rate.

