Exercise and Fitness

Understanding exercise heart rate zones

Your gym's cardio machines and your smartwatch can show your heart rate zone during a workout or a walk. Are these readouts worth tracking?

By , Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
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Close-up of the arms and hands of a person checking their heart rate on a smartwatch during a winter workout (snow is visible in the background, out of focus).

You hit your stride on the elliptical machine and the electronic readout says your heart rate has reached zone 2 - the "fat-burning" zone. Is this the best zone for weight loss? Maybe you're more focused on cardiovascular health. Should you strive to reach a different zone?

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About the Author

photo of Julie Corliss

Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter

Julie Corliss has been the executive editor of the Harvard Heart Letter since 2013. She also writes for the Harvard Health Letter, Harvard Women’s Health Watch, and Harvard Men’s Health Watch, as well as for Harvard … See Full Bio
View all posts by Julie Corliss

About the Reviewer

photo of Kieran F. Reid, PhD, MPH

Kieran F. Reid, PhD, MPH, Contributor

Kieran F. Reid is assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and director of the Laboratory of Exercise Physiology and Physical Performance at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He also serves as the associate director of … See Full Bio
View all posts by Kieran F. Reid, PhD, MPH
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