Where should heart rate after exercise fall?

Heart rate after exercise may be used as an indicator of your heart fitness.

Normal resting heart rate

According to the National Institute of Health, normal average resting heart rate should be:

• 60 – 100 beats per minutes for children 10 years and older, as well as adults/seniors
• 40-60 beats per minute for well-trained athletes

Target heart rate during exercise

For moderate intensity activities your target heart rate is 50 – 69% maximum heart rate. For vigorous activity levels your target heart rate is 70-85% maximum heart rate.

To calculate your target heart rate subtract your age from 220. This gives you your maximum heart rate. Now, multiple your maximum heart rate by 0.5 and 0.69 to obtain your target heart rate range for moderate intensity activities. Multiply your maximum heart rate by 0.7 and 0.85 to obtain your target heart rate range for vigorous activities.

Depending on your goal intensity – moderate vs. vigorous – your heart rate should fall within your target heart rate range during activities.

If you are typically inactive, set your goal for the lower end (50-60% maximum heart rate) and work your way up over time.

There are blood pressure medications that lower maximum heart rates. Discuss with your doctor if you currently take blood pressure medications. Your target heart rate zone may need to be adjusted.
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