Maximum Heart Rate is a measure of the maximum number of times your heart can safely beat per minute. This figure will decline with age. Your heart rate can be measured by using two fingers on your pulse (either at the neck, or on the wrist). Some exercise machines will calculate heart rate (although they seem to be inaccurate). The most accurate way of measuring heart rate is to use a Heart Rate Monitor (uses a chest strap or wrist strap).

Heart Rate For Fat Burning

Like many concepts in fat loss and fitness - there are a number of different arguments. However most people agree that a heart rate of 60-70% of your maximum is best when you are aiming to burn fat and are on a reduced calorie diet. At this zone more calories are burned from fat (during the exercise).

However; higher heart rates burn more calories in a shorter period of time, and provide a metabolism boost (afterburn) - however fewer calories are burned from fat (during the activity). Confused?!

There are many advocates of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). This involves short bursts (30 seconds to 1 minute) of exercise at 90% (or even maximum) heart rate, followed by a 1-2 minute recovery period. However if your aim is simply for fat loss - use the 60-70% zone. There are some that fear HIIT training can burn too much muscle when on restricted calories - but this is a contentious issue.