We’ve all felt it . . . that “thump-thump” in our chest during
exercise. Sometimes, it’s a little flutter. Other times, it can
feel like our heart is going to jump out of our chest. While
most know it’s important to monitor heart rate during exercise,
many don’t know why. “Monitoring your heart allows you to
measure whether you’re working out too much, or not enough,”
says Katie Varnado, Athletic Training Supervisor with ATI Sports
Medicine. “One needs to hit an intensity level that will provide
optimal health benefits, while remaining at a safe level.” Most
healthy people should have a Target Heart Rate zone from 50 –
75% of your maximum heart rate, or within the Moderate Exercise
Intensity zone. If you’re below this level, you may not be
working out enough. On the flip side, if you’re above this
level, you may be straining yourself. Katie offers these steps
in calculating your appropriate maximum heart rate: Step 1:
Subtract your age from 220 to get your average maximum heart
rate in beats per minute. (Exam