How Much Exercise is Good?

Getting daily exercise is critical for good health. Getting the right kind of exercise is even more important. Is your idea of a good workout one that leaves you exhausted and sweaty? Can too much of a good thing actually be bad for your body? How much exercise is good for you?

By using a heart monitor, you can accurately create and track a good workout program. When doing a cardiovascular workout, it is important to exercise within your target heart range to improve your cardiovascular health.

Do you think that the faster and harder your heart pounds during a workout - the better the workout? Not quite. It’s not about how fast you are walking - it’s about how fast your heart is pumping. With a heart monitor, you can be sure you are exercising at a pace that is safe and most beneficial to your heart. When you exercise outside of your target heart rate, too high can strain your heart - too low will simply burn a few more calories.

So, how do you find your target heart rate? This is a simple formula I use - taken from What’s a Nice Person Like Me Doing in a Body Like This? by Dr. Neecie Moore.

220 minus your age = maximum safe heart rate

YOU SHOULD EXERCISE BETWEEN 50% AND 75% OF THAT RATE

Find your lower target heart range:

Maximum safe heart rate x .5 = your lower heart range

Find your upper target heart range:

Maximum safe heart rate x .75 = your upper heart range

When exercising, your target heart range should be between the lower heart range and the upper heart range. By working out within the target guidelines for your body, you will get the most benefit to your cardiovascular system and will be less likely to strain your heart. Getting the right kind of exercise is an important step toward a healthier you.