Hello there!

Today I would like to show how I figure my target heart rate when I'm exercising in order to make sure I am getting the most benefit out of my workouts. I am going to be using the information available on the American Cancer Society website, but you can use any preferred source.

It's really simple. Once you click on the main link for this website (I provided the link on the previous post), scroll down to the More Interactive Tools section, then click the Target Heart Rate Calculator option.  You will be asked to put in your age and then press the calculate button. In my case, I got a range of 93-138 beats per minute.

The website further explains how to count your pulse for 10 seconds and multiply this number by 6, giving you your heartbeats per minute. I usually do this a few times during my exercise to make sure I am in the suggested zone to get the most benefit out of my workout.

On average I will do aerobic exercise 3 to 4 times a week for 25 mins. I prefer to do the elliptical because it is easier for me. This level of exercise together with my daily amount of calories consumed allows me to strike a healthy balance between my exercise level and caloric intake to maintain a stable and healthy weight for me. When I start to gain weight over my normal, I either increase my exercise or I make healthier food choices, or I do both.

Another useful feature found under the More Interactive Tools section is the Calories Burned During Exercise estimator. Just click the down arrow and select a type of exercise. It will give you the number of calories you will burn if you do that exercise for one hour.

I use the elliptical, and since this is not on this list, I simply use the figure for what I feel is a comparable type of exercise- that being biking. Hope you find this information helpful.

As always, consult your medical physician first before you start a new exercise or diet routine, or before you make changes to your current one.

Until next time, be healthy and take care of yourself. And if you would like to contact me, don't hesitate.