Exercise Zones
Get Fit Today UK
Fox and Haskell formula showing the split between aerobic (light orange) and anaerobic (dark orange) exercise and heart rate.
- HRmax = 220 − age (caution: can vary significantly!)
This is attributed to various sources, often "Fox and Haskell". While the most common (and easy to remember and calculate), this particular formula is not considered by some to be a good predictor of HRmax.
A 2002 study [4] of 43 different formulae for HRmax (including the one above) concluded the following:
- 1) No "acceptable" formula currently existed, (they used the term "acceptable" to mean acceptable for both prediction of VO2 max, and prescription of exercise training HR ranges)
- 2) The most accurate formula of those examined was:
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- HRmax = 205.8 − (0.685 * age)
- This was found to have a Standard Deviation that, although large (6.4 bpm), was still deemed to be acceptable for the use of prescribing exercise training HR ranges.
Other often cited formulae are:
- HRmax = 206.3 − (0.711 × age)
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- (Often attributed to "Londeree and Moeschberger from the University of Missouri–Columbia")
- HRmax = 217 − (0.85 × age)
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- (Often attributed to "Miller et al. from Indiana University")
These figures are still dependent on physiology and fitness; for example an endurance runner's rates will typically be lower due to the increased size of the heart required to support the exercise, while a sprinter's rates will be higher due to the improved response time and short duration. Also, population averages are just that. Two 40-year-old males with same height, weight, strength, etc. may each have predicted heart rates of 180 (= 220-Age), but these two males could have actual Max HR 20 beats apart (e.g. 170-190). It's important not to guess.
Wikipedia Author Morgoth666
Cardiovascular Exercise what is it?