AA is generally the abbreviation for Associate of Arts degree. This is the degree given by many two-year colleges, often called Community Colleges (which used to be called Junior Colleges). Some also award the AS-- Associate in Science degree. Typically, an Associate's degree is the equivalent of a year, or in some cases a year and a half, of courses at a four-year college, and there are many students who transfer their Associate's degree credits so that they can complete a four-year degree.
Although it may seem difficult, lowering your breathing speed will help to lower your heart rate. Take a breath for 5-8 seconds, hold it for 3-5 seconds, and then exhale slowly for a count of 5-8 seconds.
Target heart rate. Your target rate is 50 - 75% of your maximum heart rate. You should measure your pulse off and on while you exercise to make sure you stay within this range. After about 6 months of regular exercise, you may be able to increase your target heart rate to 85% (but only if you can comfortably do so). Certain heart medications may lower your maximum and target heart rates.