07/15/2025
π« Heart Rate Ninja: Beginnerβs Guide to Heart Rate Training!
πΉ 1. What is Heart Rate Training and what are the Benefits?
Heart rate training involves monitoring your heart rate during exercise to train at specific intensities, ensuring you're working hard enough to make progressβbut not so hard you risk injury or burnout.
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πΉ 2. Find Your Estimated Max Heart Rate (MHR)
A common formula:
Estimated Max Heart Rate (MHR) = 220 β your age
Example:
If you're 30 years old:
220 β 30 = 190 bpm (beats per minute)
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πΉ 3. Understand Heart Rate Zones
Each zone targets different fitness benefits:
Zone % of MHR Intensity Benefits
Zone 1 50β59% Very Light Recovery, warm-up, fat metabolism
Zone 2 60β69% Light Endurance, fat burn, aerobic base
Zone 3 70β79% Moderate Aerobic fitness, stamina
Zone 4 80β89% Hard Anaerobic capacity, speed, performance
Zone 5 90β100% Maximum Effort VOβ max, power, short bursts only
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πΉ 4. How to Track Your Heart Rate
β’ Heart Rate Monitors: Chest straps (accurate) or Arm-Band monitors (convenient).
o Click here to see our recommended monitors: https://heartrateninja.com/monitors/
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πΉ 5. Tips for Success
β’ π Warm up for 5β10 minutes in Zone 1-2
β’ π Cool down after workouts to gradually lower heart rate
β’ π Increase duration or frequency gradually each week
β’ π Avoid Zone 5 early on for a safer more effective workout
β’ π Listen to your body. Remember that your Max HR could take a few sessions to pin point. The Estimated Max formula is just a figure to start with and it could be higher or lower than this number.