HIIT Training Heart Rate Calculator
Your HIIT Training Profile
Max Heart Rate
Reserve (HRR)
HIIT Work Interval (80% – 95% Intensity):
Push your limits within this range during your "on" periods.
Active Recovery Zone (50% – 60% Intensity):
Allow your heart rate to drop to this range between sprints.
Understanding Your HIIT Heart Rate Zones
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) relies on alternating periods of short, intense anaerobic exercise with less-intense recovery periods. To maximize fat loss and cardiovascular gains, you must hit specific heart rate targets.
The Karvonen Method vs. Peak HR
Unlike simple calculators that only use 220 minus your age, this calculator uses the Karvonen Formula. By including your Resting Heart Rate (RHR), it accounts for your current fitness level. A lower RHR typically indicates a more efficient cardiovascular system, which adjusts your training zones accordingly.
How to Use These Numbers
- The Work Interval: During your sprint, burpees, or cycling burst, aim for the 80-95% range. You should find it difficult to speak during this phase.
- The Recovery Interval: Use active recovery (slow walk or light pedal). Do not sit still. Your heart rate should drop toward the 50-60% range before you start the next interval.
- Duration: Most HIIT sessions should last between 15 to 30 minutes. If you can go longer than 30 minutes, you likely aren't reaching the high-intensity zone calculated above.
Example Scenario: 30-Year-Old Athlete
If you are 30 years old with a resting heart rate of 60 BPM:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Heart Rate | 190 BPM |
| Work Target (HIIT) | 164 – 184 BPM |
| Recovery Target | 125 – 138 BPM |
Disclaimer: Consult with a physician before starting any high-intensity exercise program. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or experience chest pain, stop immediately.