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Maximum Heart Rate Formula:
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Maximum Heart Rate (MHR) is the highest number of beats per minute your heart can achieve during maximum physical exertion. The most common formula for estimating MHR is 220 minus your age.
The calculator uses the standard MHR formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula provides an estimate of your maximum safe heart rate based on age. The NHS recommends exercising at 50-70% of MHR for moderate intensity and 70-85% for vigorous intensity.
Details: Monitoring your heart rate during exercise helps ensure you're working at an appropriate intensity level for your fitness goals, whether that's weight loss, cardiovascular improvement, or general health maintenance.
Tips: Enter your age in years. While weight is optional, it can provide additional context for personalized fitness recommendations. All values must be valid (age between 1-120).
Q1: How accurate is the 220-age formula?
A: It's a general estimation that works for most people, but individual variations exist. For more precise measurements, consider a supervised exercise stress test.
Q2: What are the NHS recommended exercise intensities?
A: NHS recommends moderate intensity (50-70% of MHR) for 150 minutes per week or vigorous intensity (70-85% of MHR) for 75 minutes per week.
Q3: Should everyone use the same target heart rate zones?
A: Individual fitness levels, medications, and health conditions can affect appropriate heart rate zones. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Q4: How does weight affect heart rate?
A: Higher body weight typically means the heart works harder during exercise, but the 220-age formula remains a good starting point for most individuals.
Q5: When should I be concerned about my heart rate during exercise?
A: If you experience chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath disproportionate to your exertion level, or irregular heartbeats, stop exercising and consult a healthcare professional.