Targeting your heart rate during a HIIT cardio class is a great way to measure your fitness level and understand your intensity during your workout. Regardless of where you are in your fitness journey, you can use the information on your heart rate to track and improve your workouts. In this article, Circuit Works LA shares the benefits of heart rate training and why you should implement it.
Why does your heart rate zone matter?
Your heart rate is an important part of a balanced and effective workout regimen. To get the most from your workout routine, you need to know how hard your body is working while partaking in any fitness class from HIIT cardio to strength training for runners. Heart rate monitoring is one of the most accurate metrics available for measuring the effort level needed for burning fat and improving cardiovascular endurance.
It can tell you whether you are pushing yourself too much or not enough and helps you get the most out of your HIIT cardio workout. When used correctly, heart rate training makes your body more efficient and helps you maximize the results of your workouts.
What is an optimal heart rate?
An optimal heart rate varies depending on many factors, including age. The chart below from the American Heart Association displays heart rate zones for different ages.
During moderate intensity activities, you should target a heart rate between 50-70% of your maximum heart rate, while during vigorous physical activity, you should aim for a heart rate between 70-85%.
What is the typical heart rate for best weight loss?
If you want to lose weight and burn fat, you should exercise at 70%-80% of your maximum heart rate, with moderate to high-intensity exercises. It’s important to note that this is just a guideline as your targeted heart rate will vary depending on the activity that you are participating in – a target heart rate in a class designed for strength training for runners will be different than a target heart rate during a yoga class.
How can I track my heart rate zone?
At Circuit Works LA, we love tracking heart rate zones and that is why we make it as easy as possible for you to use a heart rate monitor to help you reach your fitness goals. Your heart rate stats are displayed live on our monitors so that you can adjust your effort in during your workout. Your real-time heart rate and color-coded heart rate zones help you stay in your target heart rate zone to maximize the benefits of your workout. On top of that, your results summary is emailed to you after each workout.
As we shared earlier, we make it as seamless as possible to use your heart rate monitor to reach your health and fitness goals. We continuously provide you with your heart rate reading during your workout so that you do not have to stop or slow down to check-in.
Our system is compatible with ANT+ devices, including power meters and heart rate monitors. Don’t have one? No worries. You can rent or buy a heart rate monitor at the Circuit Works LA studio before or after your purchase your class pass.
