Exercising at the correct intensity can help you get the most out of your physical activity — making sure you're not pushing too hard or too little. Your intensity of exercise affects your active heart rate. Your maximum heart rate should be about 220 minus your age. Target heart rate during moderate intensity activities should be about 50-70% of maximum heart rate, while during vigorous physical activity it should about 70-85% of maximum.

If your heart rate is too high, you're straining. Slow your roll! If it's too low, and the intensity feels “light” to “moderate,” you may want to push yourself to exercise a little harder, especially if you're trying to lose weight. If you're just starting out, aim for the lower range of your target zone (50 percent) and gradually build up. In time, you'll be able to exercise comfortably at up to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate. Woo hoo!