1. Resting Heart Rate The number of times your heart beats in 1 minute when you are at rest. 72 – 84 beats per minute = Average Cardiovascular fitness. Below 72 = Good Fitness Level.

2. Maximum Heart Rate  Your heart rate when you have exercised to the point of exhaustion.  For Teenagers – Rate is about 200 beats per minute.  Working out at your maximum heart rate can put a strain on the heart.

3. Target Heart Rate Approximate heart rate you need to maintain during aerobic exercise in order to benefit from the work out. It is often expressed as a range. Such as: 145 – 170 beats per minute

4. Target Heart Rate Depends On: ♥ Age ♥ Current level of Fitness ♥ Your Resting Heart Rate ♥ Maximum Heart Rate

5. Exercise Heart Rate Check regularly to determine if you are in your target heart rate zone. Stop exercising briefly and count your pulse. Because the heart slows quickly, take your pulse for only six seconds and then multiply it by 10 for beats per minute.

6. “Talk Test” An easy way to check your exercise intensity. If you cannot talk – your exercise level is too intense. If you can sing while exercising – you are probably not working hard enough. You are at proper intensity if you can talk comfortably.

7. A young athlete in top competitive condition may have a resting heart rate as low as 40 beats per minute. The athlete’s heart is so strong and efficient that it doesn’t need to beat more rapidly to meet the body’s needs. Your heart rate will probably not drop to 40 bpm, but you may notice a drop of five to ten beats per minute after three to four weeks of exercise.