What is a recommended target heart rate range for moderate-intensity exercise?

The recommended target heart rate range for moderate-intensity exercise falls between 50-70% of an individual's maximum heart rate. This range allows individuals to benefit from cardiovascular health while still being able to sustain physical activity comfortably.

Exercising within this zone helps to improve aerobic capacity, burn fat, and enhances overall cardiovascular fitness. Moderate-intensity activities include brisk walking, dancing, or even doubles tennis, where one can still talk but may not be able to sing comfortably.

Higher intensity exercise, which would fall in the 70-85% or 85-95% ranges, is more demanding and may not be suitable for everyone, especially beginners or those with certain health conditions. The lower range of 30-50% typically represents sedentary or light activities, which do not contribute significantly to cardiovascular improvements. Thus, the 50-70% range is deemed ideal for achieving health benefits while promoting safety and accessibility for a broader population.