Exercise

What is your target heart rate?

If you are a member of a health club or you have an exercise trainer, you most likely have heard the term “target tax rate.” Your target heart rate measures the intensity of your exercise workout.

When you exercise, your heart has to beat faster to send your blood to oxygenize every part of your body. If you do not raise your heart rate to a certain level while exercising, and maintain that level for at least 20 minutes, you will not have any significant impact on your cardiovascular fitness. So, how do you determine your “target heart rate”?


To determine your target heart rate:
  1. Calculate your maximum heart rate as follows: 220 minus your age
  2. Multiply that number by 0.5 to determine the low end figure for your target heart range
  3. Multiply that number by 0.75 to determine the upper number for your target heart range

Example: Your age is 46:

  1. 220 – 46 = 174
  2. 174 X 0.5 = 87 (low end figure)
  3. 174 X 0.75 = 131 (upper end figure)

Your target heart rate is within the range of 87-131 beats per minute.

(Naturally, before beginning any exercise program, consult your primary care physician.) When you begin any type of exercise program, it is good to start try to reach the lower end heart rate and increase it gradually over time. If you have any type of health problem, or you are taking any medication, it may not be advisable to exercise at your target health rate. Check with us first before beginning any exercise program.

To check your heart rate while exercising:

  1. Stop your routine and feel for your pulse near one of the arteries in your neck, on either side of your Adams’ apple
  2. Count your number of heart beats for 10 seconds and multiply it by 6 to get your actual heart rate per minute
  3. Check to see if you are within your range. If you’re too low - increase the intensity of your work out, too high - slow it down a little!

Dr. Durham Asks some important questions of interest to Abbeville residents - Chiropractor Abbeville Dr. Durham Asks...

Is a muscle spasm a cause or an effect?
With the knee-jerk use of muscle relaxers, you'd think it was a cause. But it's an effect. Chiropractors know that bones don't move unless muscles move them. And muscles don't contract unless commanded by the nervous system. That's why your nervous system is the focus of our Abbeville chiropractic practice.
Why are chiropractors wary of the germ theory?
Louis Pasteur originated the idea that germs caused disease. Yet, on his deathbed he recanted, declaring, "It's not the seed, but the soil." Meaning, it's not the germ that causes disease, but the condition of the body that allows the germ to thrive. Chiropractic care in our Abbeville office is designed to bolster your resistance so germs don't see you as a good host.