Target Heart Rates Chart
What should your heart rate be when working out, and how can you track it? Our simple chart will help keep you in the target training zone, whether you want to lose weight or maximize your workout. Find out what normal resting and maximum heart rates are for your age and how exercise intensity and other factors affect heart rate.
How do I get my heart rate in the target zone?
There’s a simple way to know if you’re doing too much or not enough during a workout. Your target heart rate helps you hit the bullseye to get the maximum benefit from every step, swing and squat. Even if you’re not a gym rat or elite athlete, knowing your heart rate (or pulse) can help you track your health and fitness level.
What is a resting heart rate?
Your resting heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute when you’re at rest. A good time to check it is in the morning after you’ve had a good night’s sleep, before you get out of bed or grab that first cup of coffee.
Is resting heart rate different by age?
For most adults, a resting heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute is normal. However, the rate can be affected by factors such as stress, anxiety, hormones, medication and how physically active you are. An athlete or more active person may have a resting heart rate as low as 40 beats per minute. Now that’s chill!
When it comes to resting heart rate, lower is better. It usually means your heart muscle is in better condition and doesn’t have to work as hard to keep a steady beat. Studies have found that a higher resting heart rate is linked with lower physical fitness, higher blood pressure and higher body weight.
Know Your Numbers: Maximum and Target Heart Rate by Age
This table shows target heart rate zones for different ages. Your maximum heart rate is about 220 minus your age.
In the age category closest to yours, read across to find your target heart rates. Target heart rate during moderate-intensity activities is about 50-70% of maximum heart rate. During vigorous physical activity, it’s about 70-85% of maximum.
The figures are averages, so use them as a general guide.
Age | Target HR Zone 50-85% | Age-predicted Maximum Heart Rate |
---|---|---|
20 years | 100-170 beats per minute (bpm) | 200 bpm |
30 years | 95-162 bpm | 190 bpm |
35 years | 93-157 bpm | 185 bpm |
40 years | 90-153 bpm | 180 bpm |
45 years | 88-149 bpm | 175 bpm |
50 years | 85-145 bpm | 170 bpm |
55 years | 83-140 bpm | 165 bpm |
60 years | 80-136 bpm | 160 bpm |
65 years | 78-132 bpm | 155 bpm |
70 years | 75-128 bpm | 150 bpm |
You've got goals. So do we.
How do I find my pulse or heart rate?
Now that you have a target, you can monitor your heart rate to make sure you’re in the zone. As you exercise, periodically check your heart rate. A wearable activity tracker makes it super easy, but if you don’t use one, you can also find it manually:
- Take your pulse on the inside of your wrist, on the thumb side.
- Use the tips of your first two fingers (not your thumb) and press lightly over the artery.
- Count your pulse for 30 seconds and multiply by 2 to find your beats per minute.
Important note: Some drugs and medications affect heart rate, meaning you may have a lower maximum heart rate and target zone. If you have a heart condition or take medication, ask your health care professional what your heart rate should be.
What if my heart rate is too high or too low?
If your heart rate is too high, you’re straining. Slow your roll! If your heart rate is too low, and the intensity feels light to moderate, you may want to push yourself to exercise a little harder, especially if you’re trying to lose weight.
If you’re just starting out, aim for the lower range of your target zone (50%) and gradually build up. In time, you’ll be able to exercise comfortably at up to 85% of your maximum heart rate.