Stroke Prevention Exercise Program (SPEP) Target Heart Rate Zone

The Comprehensive Stroke and Rehabilitation Services programs at UW Hospital and Clinics have partnered to create a special exercise program for people who have had strokes. The Stroke Prevention Exercise Program or "SPEP" has been designed to give you safe and fun exercise options to help prevent new strokes.

One more way to tell how hard you are exercising (besides the Borg Scale) is to take your heart rate while exercising. Each person has a certain target heart rate zone to work within for moderate effort exercise. Checking heart rate is not a good way for all people to track how hard they are exercising. If your physical or occupational therapist tells you this is a good way for you to track how hard you are exercising, they will also help you figure out your target heart rate zone.

The American Heart Association suggests that people who have had a stroke should exercise at 50 to 80 percent of their estimated maximum heart rate for the best health benefits. Use the chart below to find your target heart rate zone for exercise.