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?
- Reviewed by Kieran F. Reid, PhD, MPH, Contributor

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
Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
About the Reviewer
Kieran F. Reid, PhD, MPH, Contributor
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