What is a Normal Heart Rate?

Our hearts are the most important working muscle in our bodies, and part of living a healthy life involves understanding how your heart works. A normal heart rate, or pulse, is an important indicator of your overall health and physical fitness. It’s important to understand what your heart rate should be at rest, during light exercise, and during moderate or vigorous exercise.

What is the Normal Resting Heart Rate?

Your resting heart rate (RHR) is the number of times your heart beats per minute when you are at rest. As we age, our normal heart rate slows. Generally, a resting heart rate of 60-100 beats per minute (BPM) can be considered normal. An RHR of 60-80 BPM is considered average in healthy adults, while a rate of fewer than 60 BPM is called bradycardia, and a rate higher than 100 BPM is called tachycardia. You can determine your resting heart rate by taking your pulse for 15 seconds and multiplying by four.

What is the Normal Heart Rate During Exercise?

Your heart rate changes with physical activity. Depending on the intensity of your exercise, your heart rate can be anywhere from 100 BPM at rest, to 180 BPM during vigorous activity. It’s important to track your heart rate while exercising to make sure you don’t overdo it. Generally, it is recommended that your heart rate stay within your target heart rate zone, which is the rate at which your heart is working at its peak efficiency. The target heart rate zone for most adults is between 50 and 85 percent of your maximum heart rate (MHR). You can calculate your MHR by subtracting your age from 220.

Conclusion

Knowing and understanding your heart rate is an important part of taking care of your overall health and wellness. A normal resting heart rate of 60-100 BPM is generally considered healthy, with a target heart rate zone between 50 and 85 percent of your maximum heart rate during exercise. You can track your heart rate with a heart rate monitor or a smart watch to make sure you’re not overdoing it while exercising.