1. What is Target Heart Rate Zone?

The Target Heart Rate (THR) zone is the optimal range of heartbeats per minute during cardiovascular exercise to improve fitness and burn fat effectively. For general cardio workouts, the recommended zone is 60-80% of your maximum heart rate.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• 220 - age — Estimated maximum heart rate
• 0.6 — Lower bound of target zone (60% of max HR)
• 0.8 — Upper bound of target zone (80% of max HR)

Explanation: The formula provides a simple estimate of your ideal heart rate range for cardiovascular exercise based on age.

3. Importance of Heart Rate Zones

Details: Training in the correct heart rate zone ensures you're working at the right intensity to improve cardiovascular fitness without overexertion. The 60-80% range is ideal for moderate-intensity steady-state cardio.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your age in years (must be between 1-120). The calculator will show your target heart rate zone in beats per minute (bpm).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is the 220-age formula accurate for everyone?
A: It's a general estimate. Individual maximum heart rates can vary by ±10-20 bpm. For more accuracy, consider a stress test.

Q2: What if my heart rate goes above the target zone?
A: This indicates high-intensity exercise. Beginners should aim to stay within the target zone, while experienced athletes may train at higher intensities.

Q3: How should I measure my heart rate during exercise?
A: Use a heart rate monitor for best accuracy. Alternatively, take your pulse for 15 seconds and multiply by 4.

Q4: Are there different heart rate zones for different goals?
A: Yes, lower zones (50-60%) are better for fat burning, while higher zones (80-90%) improve anaerobic capacity.

Q5: Should people with health concerns use this calculator?
A: Those with cardiovascular conditions should consult a doctor before beginning an exercise program.