Heart Rate Reserve (Karvonen) Calculator
Calculation Results
Heart Rate Reserve (HRR): BPM
Estimated Max Heart Rate: BPM
Target Heart Rate: BPM
This calculation uses the Karvonen Formula.
What 11 Heart Rate Reserve is Used to Calculate
In the world of exercise physiology and cardiovascular training, understanding how 11 heart rate reserve is used to calculate specific training zones is vital for both athletes and beginners. Heart Rate Reserve (HRR) represents the difference between your predicted maximum heart rate and your resting heart rate. It is the range of heart beats available for use during physical activity.
The Karvonen Formula Explained
The primary use for HRR is in the Karvonen Formula. Unlike the simple age-based percentage method, the Karvonen method is more personalized because it accounts for your resting heart rate, which is a key indicator of cardiovascular fitness. The formula is as follows:
- Step 1: 220 – Age = Maximum Heart Rate (MHR)
- Step 2: MHR – Resting Heart Rate = Heart Rate Reserve (HRR)
- Step 3: (HRR × % Intensity) + Resting Heart Rate = Target Heart Rate
Why Heart Rate Reserve Matters
Using heart rate reserve is used to calculate intensity more accurately than other methods. Because your resting heart rate drops as you become more fit, the HRR method "shifts" your training zones to reflect your improved conditioning. If you used a simple percentage of maximum heart rate, you might not be training at the appropriate intensity for your current physiological state.
Typical Training Zones Using HRR
| Zone | Intensity (%) | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery | 40% – 50% | Active recovery and health maintenance |
| Aerobic / Fat Burn | 50% – 70% | Improved endurance and cardiovascular health |
| Anaerobic / Threshold | 70% – 85% | Increased speed and lactic acid tolerance |
| Red Line | 85% – 95% | Maximum performance and sprint capacity |
Practical Example
Consider a 40-year-old individual with a resting heart rate of 60 BPM who wants to train at 70% intensity:
- MHR: 220 – 40 = 180 BPM
- HRR: 180 – 60 = 120 BPM
- Target: (120 × 0.70) + 60 = 144 BPM
In this case, 144 BPM is the target heart rate for a 70% intensity session using the heart rate reserve calculation method.