1. What is Maximum Heart Rate?

Maximum Heart Rate (MHR) is the highest number of beats per minute your heart can reach during maximum physical exertion. The most commonly used formula for estimating MHR is: 220 - Age.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard MHR equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: This formula provides a simple estimate of maximum heart rate based on age, which is widely used for exercise intensity prescription.

3. Importance of MHR Calculation

Details: Knowing your maximum heart rate helps determine appropriate exercise intensity zones for cardiovascular training, weight management, and athletic performance optimization.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your age in years. The value must be between 1-120 years for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is the 220 - Age formula?
A: While widely used, this formula provides an estimate. Individual maximum heart rates can vary by ±10-12 beats per minute from the predicted value.

Q2: Are there alternative MHR formulas?
A: Yes, other formulas exist such as 208 - (0.7 × Age) or 211 - (0.64 × Age), which may be more accurate 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 training).

Q4: Does MHR change with fitness level?
A: While MHR primarily decreases with age, fitness level affects resting heart rate and heart rate recovery, not maximum heart rate.

Q5: When should I measure my actual maximum heart rate?
A: For precise training zones, consider performing a graded exercise test under medical supervision, especially if you have health concerns.