The Army Training System - AskTOP

Percent HRR MethodA more accurate way to calculateTHR is the percent HRR method. Therange from 60 to 90 percent HRR is theTHR range in which people shouldexercise to improve their CR fitnesslevels. If a soldier knows his generallevel of CR fitness, he can determinewhich percentage of HRR is a goodstarting point for him. For example, ifhe is in excellent physical condition, hecould start at 85 percent of his HRR; ifhe is in reasonably good shape, at 70percent HRR; and, if he is in poorshape, at 60 percent HRR.Most CR workouts should be conductedwith the heart rate between 70to 75 percent HRR to attain, or maintain,an adequate level of fitness. Soldierswho have reached a high level offitness may derive more benefit fromworking at a higher percentage ofHRR, particularly if they cannot findmore than 20 minutes for CR exercise.Exercising at any lower percentage ofHRR does not give the heart, muscles,and lungs an adequate training stimulus.Before anyone begins aerobic training,he should know his THR (the heartrate at which he needs to exercise to geta training effect).2-3