Heart Rate Max Calculator
The maximum heart rate (MHR) is the highest number of times your heart can beat in one minute during maximal physical exertion. It's a useful metric for setting training zones and understanding your cardiovascular capacity. A common and simple formula to estimate your MHR is the "220 minus age" formula.
Understanding Maximum Heart Rate
Your maximum heart rate (MHR) is an estimate of the highest your heart rate can go during intense exercise. It declines with age. Knowing your estimated MHR helps in creating effective and safe training programs. For example, if you're aiming for an exercise intensity of 70% of your MHR, you can calculate your target heart rate by multiplying your MHR by 0.70.
How the Calculation Works:
The most widely used and simplest formula for estimating Maximum Heart Rate is:
MHR = 220 – Age
While this formula is easy to use, it's important to remember that it's an estimation. Individual variations exist, and factors like genetics, fitness level, and even medication can influence your actual MHR. For a more personalized assessment, consider consulting with a healthcare professional or a certified fitness trainer.
Example Calculation:
Let's say you are 35 years old.
Using the formula:
MHR = 220 – 35
MHR = 185 beats per minute (bpm)
So, the estimated maximum heart rate for a 35-year-old is 185 bpm.