A Glimpse On The Five Heart Rate Zones

People do exercise for various sorts of good reasons. Some want to lose weight, some like to buff up, some exercise for the feeling of adrenaline and of course, most exercise to be healthy. Nearly all exercise and training programs depend on intensity. Intensity is detailed in five heart rate zones, namely healthy heart zone, fitness zone, aerobic zone, anaerobic zone and red-line zone.


The healthy heart zone or otherwise known as the comfort zone is the simplest and safest. Exercising in this zone (by brisk walking for example) improves the pumping ability of the heart and helps decrease body fat, blood pressure, and cholesterol. This zone eats away 10 percent carbohydrates, 5percent protein and eighty-five percent fat.


The fitness zone, also called the fat-burning zone, is regarded as the most efficient for overall cardiovascular health. A person will burn more calories in this zone because the exercise is a little more intense, just like jogging (vs. brisk walking in the healthy heart zone). In this zone, the body uses up eighty-five percent fat, 5 percent protein, and 10 percent carbohydrate.


The aerobic zone is the third heart rate zone. Exercises are all the more intense because it aims for endurance. Running is one common example of workout in this zone. It increases the number and size of the blood vessels and thus improves the individual’s circulatory system. It also boosts the respiratory system as it increases a person’s lung capacity.


Zone four is known as the anaerobic zone, otherwise known as the threshold zone. This is reached by running faster. Workouts in this heart rate zone usually last between 10 and 20 minutes. During this time, the heart can no longer deliver sufficient blood to the muscle tissues. The muscles contract anerobically as a result, and the person begins to feel the “burn”.


The fifth heart rate zone is the red-line zone wherein you can’t go any higher. It is recommended to consult the doctor before starting on such very high intensity workouts. The best fitness training benefits can be obtained by spending 20-60 minutes of workout in this zone.


So which heart rate zone best suits you? Remember that it makes a significant difference in which zone you train. It is strongly recommended to vary your exercises and get the most out of each heart rate zone.

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