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by Tommy Boone, PhD, MPH, FASEP, EPC

Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this How Stuff Works article:

Boone, Tommy. "How to Begin Walking for Fitness." 19 November 2007. HowStuffWorks.com. <http://health.howstuffworks.com/how-to-begin-walking-for-fitness.htm> 20 July 2008.

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Finding Your Target Heart Rate

To find your target heart rate range, you first need to know your maximum heart rate. An exercise test can give you this information. But if you haven't taken an exercise test, you can get an estimate of your maximum heart rate by subtracting your age from 220.

For example, if you are 25 years old, your maximum heart rate is 220 minus 25, or about 195 beats per minute. If you're 48 years old, your maximum heart rate is 220 minus 48, or about 172 beats per minute. Your actual maximum heart rate can vary by as many as 25 beats per minute.

If you are older or have heart problems, therefore, it may be a good idea to have an exercise test performed at your doctor's office to find your precise maximum heart rate.

Next, find out how to use your target heart rate to make the most of your walking workout.

To learn more about walking, see:

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.

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