1. What is Age-Predicted Maximal Heart Rate?

The Age-Predicted Maximal Heart Rate (MHR) is an estimate of the maximum number of heartbeats per minute an individual can achieve during maximal physical exertion. The most commonly used formula is: MHR = 220 - Age.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard MHR equation:

Where:

• \( MHR \) — Maximal Heart Rate (beats per minute)
• \( Age \) — Age in years

Explanation: This simple formula provides a quick estimate of maximal heart rate based solely on age, making it widely accessible for exercise prescription and intensity monitoring.

3. Importance of MHR Calculation

Details: Knowing your maximal heart rate is essential for designing effective exercise programs, determining appropriate training zones, and monitoring exercise intensity for both athletic performance and health maintenance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your age in years (must be between 1-120). The calculator will instantly compute your estimated maximal heart rate in beats per minute (bpm).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is the 220 - Age formula?
A: While widely used, this formula provides a general estimate. Individual variations can be significant (±10-12 bpm). For more precise measurements, maximal exercise testing is recommended.

Q2: Are there alternative formulas for MHR?
A: Yes, other formulas exist such as 208 - (0.7 × age) or 211 - (0.64 × age), which may provide better estimates for certain populations.

Q3: How is MHR used in exercise training?
A: MHR is used to calculate target heart rate zones for different training intensities (e.g., 50-70% for fat burning, 70-85% for cardiovascular improvement).

Q4: Does MHR change over time?
A: Yes, maximal heart rate typically decreases with age at a rate of approximately 0.7-1 beat per minute per year.

Q5: Are there factors that affect MHR besides age?
A: While age is the primary factor, genetics, fitness level, and certain medications can also influence maximal heart rate.