Keeping track of your pulse and heart rate during aerobics is one way to determine how hard you are working. Ideally, you want to be exercising within your target heart rate zone to effectively burn calories and fat. This zone is affected by many factors, including your weight, age and the intensity of your exercise. A doctor can help you determine the heart rate you should aim for during aerobics.
"Normal" Resting Heart Rate
While everyone is different, most healthy adults should have a resting heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute, Dr. Edward Laskowski writes for MayoClinic.com; your pulse may be slightly higher or lower. For example, athletes tend to have lower resting heart rates due to their higher level of fitness and more efficient cardiovascular function. If you believe that your heart rate is abnormally high or low, consult your physician.
Maximum Heart Rate
When you perform aerobics, your body undergoes many changes, and one of these is increased heart rate and pulse. To determine your maximum heart rate, subtract your age from 220. For example, if you are 50 years old, your maximum heart rate would be 170 beats per minute. You should not go over this number while exercising. Certain medications for high blood pressure may lower your maximum heart rate; you should consult your doctor about your heart rate if you are taking these.
Target Heart Rate Zone
You should aim to exercise within your target heart rate zone, which is 50 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate, according to the American Heart Association. A 50-year-old, for example, would want to get her heart rate between 85 and 145 beats per minute while performing aerobics. If you are new to exercise, aim for the 50-percent zone, gradually increasing your pulse over time as you gain strength and increased fitness. After about six months of working out regularly, you will most likely be able to exercise in the 85-percent zone, but remember that you do not have to work out at this rate to get an effective workout.
Dangers of Overexertion
Overexerting yourself can not only lead to injury and muscle strain --- it can also pose risks to your health. If you are gasping for breath or in pain, you may be working out too hard. In addition to checking your pulse, you can use other factors to determine the intensity of your workout. A vigorous workout will typically mean that you sweat within a few minutes of beginning and that your breathing is rapid. Whatever intensity you choose to work at, build up to it gradually and listen to your body to ensure that you are not pushing yourself beyond your limits.
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