1. What is Maximum Heart Rate?

Maximum heart rate (Max HR) is the highest number of beats per minute your heart can reach during maximum physical exertion. The most common formula to estimate it is 220 minus your age.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• 220 — Theoretical maximum heart rate at birth
• Age — Your current age in years

Explanation: The formula estimates that your maximum heart rate declines by about 1 beat per minute each year.

3. Importance of Knowing Your Max HR

Details: Knowing your estimated maximum heart rate helps in designing exercise programs, determining appropriate exercise intensity, and setting target heart rate zones for different training purposes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter your age in years. The value must be between 1 and 120 years for valid results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is the 220 - age formula?
A: It's a general estimation. Individual max HR can vary by ±10-20 beats per minute from the predicted value.

Q2: Are there alternative formulas?
A: Yes, some suggest 208 - (0.7 × age) or 211 - (0.64 × age) might be more accurate, especially for older adults.

Q3: Does fitness level affect max HR?
A: Surprisingly, fitness level has minimal effect on max HR. It's primarily determined by age and genetics.

Q4: Can I exceed my calculated max HR?
A: It's possible but not recommended. Pushing beyond your max HR can be dangerous without medical supervision.

Q5: How should I use my max HR for exercise?
A: Training zones are typically percentages of max HR (e.g., 50-60% for light activity, 60-70% for fat burning, 70-80% for aerobic, 80-90% for anaerobic).