Question

Activity: Targeting Your Heart Rate

Here are your goals for this lesson:
Calculate your target heart rate and use as a guide to regulate the level of intensity during aerobic exercise.
Your maximum heart rate is about 220, minus your age. Note: A few high blood pressure medications lower the maximum heart rate and thus the target zone rate. If you're taking high blood pressure medicine, call your physician to find out if you need to adjust your program.
Determining your Target Heart Rate
Your target heart rate is 70 percent of your maximum heart rate. Follow the formulas below to calculate your target heart rate. Record your data in the downloadable essay at the bottom of the page. Use your target heart rate as a guide to regulate the level of intensity during aerobic exercise. Target Heart Rate:
T = 0.70 (M)
T = Target heart rate
M = Maximum heart rate = 220 - age
For example, Geoff is 15 years old; therefore, Geoff's target heart rate would be figured as follows: Maximum Heart Rate:
M = 220 - age
M = 220 - 15 = 205
Target Heart Rate:
T = 0.70 (M)
T = 0.70 (205)
T = 143.5 [round down]
T = 143
Figure Your Target Heart Rate:
Step 1: Determine your maximum heart rate.
M = 220 - [your age] (DO AGE 16)
M = 220 - ________ = ________
Step 2: Plug your answer for M into target heart rate formula. Calculate your target heart rate.
T = 0.70 (M)
T = 0.70 ( ______ )
T = _______________ [round number down, if needed]

Answer 1

To determine the target heart rate for a 16-year-old, subtract their age from 220 to find the maximum heart rate (204 bpm), then calculate 70% of this number to get the target heart rate (142 bpm).

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's task is to determine their target heart rate for aerobic exercise, which is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health. To compute the target heart rate for a 16-year-old individual:

1. Determine the maximum heart rate (MHR) by subtracting the individual's age from 220. For age 16, it would be 204 beats per minute (bpm).
2. Calculate the target heart rate (THR) by taking 70% of the MHR. This results in a target heart rate of approximately 142.8 bpm, which is rounded down to 142 bpm.

It is critical for individuals, particularly those taking blood pressure medication, to consult with their physician before making adjustments to their exercise program based on heart rate calculations.