For body composition, what percentage of maximal heart rate is prescribed?

• A. 40-50% of MHR
• B. 70-85% of MHR
• C. 60-70% of MHR
• D. 20-40% of MHR

Answer: (C)

Moderate-intensity work around 60-70% of your maximal heart rate is used for body composition goals because it provides a solid training stimulus while allowing longer, sustainable workouts. This level is high enough to drive meaningful adaptations and caloric burn, yet low enough to be maintained for extended periods, which increases total energy expenditure over the week. At this intensity, the body relies significantly on fat oxidation, helping fat loss while you train and continue to improve metabolic health. Lower intensities don’t provide enough stimulus to spur substantial body composition changes, while higher intensities are harder to sustain and can limit workout duration, reducing total calories burned in a session. So, the recommended range for body composition is about 60-70% of maximal heart rate.