Heart Rate

 

Is the rate at which the heart beats. It is measured by the number of beats ber unit of time. Typically it is how many beats per minute (bpm). The normal heartrate is generally 60-100 bpm. There are several factors that can effect an individuals heartbeat such as: Age, Laughing/Talking, Nutrition, Genetics, Medication, Fitness ability, Stress and many more. There are different heartrates measured: Resting Heart rate (Basal Heart Rate) which is when the individual is relaxed yet awake. The typical RHR (Resting Heart Rate) of a typical adult is 60-80 bpm but 50 is also a safe number and there is no need to be concerned. Next there is a Maximal Heart Rate which is measured right after doing Physical activity such as sport. It is the highest heart rate an individual can reach. Many calculate their Maximum Heart Rate by completing the following equation:

 

220 - (Subjects Age) = Maximum Heart Rate 

[eg. 22 yr old. 220-22= 198bpm]

 

Training Zones

Training zones are the levels of intensity which is based on the subjects capacity for work.

There are 3 Training Zones all of which are explained below:

 

Zone 1 (Easy). MAX HR (Maximum Heart Rate) x 0.65% to 0.75%

Zone 2 (Medium). MAX HR x 0.75% to 0.85%

Zone 3 (Hard). MAX HR x 0.85% to 0.90%

 

Blood Pressure

 

Blood Pressure is the pressure exerted by circulating blood around the walls of the blood vessels in the body. It is also a principal vital sign. Circulation is due to the heart pumping blood around the body. There are many factors that can effect ones Blood pressure such as: Salt, Diet, Stress, Obesity, Alcohol, Age, Ethincity, Gender etc. Typical adults have the BP ranging from 90/50 to 120/90 mmHg (Millimeters of Mercury). There are two numbers shown on the reading when taking the blood pressure, the top number (eg the 90 or 120 mentioned above) are also known as Systolic and then the number below (eg 50 or 90 also mentioned above) is called Diastolic. 

 

Systolic Blood Pressure

Measures the amount of pressure that blood exerts on arteries and vessels while the heart is

beating. 90-120 (adults), 95 (infants) and 100 (6-9 years old). This is used more with adults

who are much older. Represents the maximum pressure exerted on the arteries.

Measured when the heart is Contracted.

 

Diastolic Blood Pressure

It is the pressure that is exerted on the walls of the various arteries around the body between

heart beats when the heart is relaxed. 60-80 (adults), 65 (infants) and 65 (6-9 years old).

This is more important for younger individuals. Measures represents the minimum pressure

in the arteries. Measured when the heart is relaxed or between beats. 

 

 

Lung Function

Lung Capacity is the amount of air your lungs can intake and is measured in Milliliters. Lung capacity is measured using a Spirometer (pictured below). Things that can effect your lung capacity include: Height, Weight (obese or not obese), Altitude that you live at etc. 

 

BMI

BMI 

BMI stands for 'Body Mass Index'. BMI is the measure of humans body shape/type based on the individuals height and weight. It measures the amount of muscle and fat on the individual. BMI is also used to determine whether an individual is classified as overweight, underweight or normal. BMI can be calculated with the following equation:

 

(Weight x Height) Squared

 

 

Though this can sometimes be unreliable/inaccurate due to different factors such as. Your body type (Endomorph, Ectomorph and Mesomorph all explained below), Your build and your lifestyle eg occupation, hobbies etc. 

 

Examples that this may not be reliable for people that are: Athletes, Muscular, Children (Under 16), The Elderly and Pregnant Women.