What is a normal heart rate during exercise?

While the normal resting heart rate is 60 to 80 beats per minute, according to the American Heart Association, heart rate during exercise is measured in relationship to the target heart rate, rather than to any average. Target heart rate depends on the age of the exerciser.

The American Heart Association points out that target heart rates range from 100 to 170 beats per minute for people in their 20s, to 75 to 128 beats per minute for those in their 70s. WebMD points out that only serious athletes and people with heart disease need to monitor their heart rate during exercise.