Fitness Testing
Fitness Testing > Resources > Heart Rate > Max
Heart Rate Maximum
Maximum heart rate is the highest number of heart beats per minute (bpm) when exercising maximally. This is best measured during a maximal exercise test, in which the body is pushed to its limit. You can use the percentage of maximum heart rate as an indicator of exercise intensity. Many exercise programs use percentage heart rates to set training loads. See Heart Rate during exercise.
Measuring Maximum Heart Rate
Heart rate will increase gradually as workload increases, up to the maximum possible. As the heart rate will begin to decrease as soon as exercise is completed, maximum heart rate is best measured using a heart rate monitor or electro-cardiogram (EEG) corresponding to the final moments before competition of exercise. Maximum heart rate can be recorded during a maximal aerobic fitness test, though any maximal exercise should be able to elicit a maximum heart rate, as long as the exercise workload is gradually increased.
Calculating Maximum Heart Rate
Although the most accurate way to determine your maximum heart rate is to measure it directly, you can also calculate it a formula - take your age away from 220. For example, if you are 34, your predicted max heart rate is 186 bpm (220 - 34). This figure is only an estimate, and is usually accurate to within 10 beats of your true maximum heart rate. See this Max HR table for a quick lookup of your maximum heart rate.
Related Pages
- Table of maximum heart rate related to age
- All about Heart Rate and Exercise
- Measuring Heart Rate — how to measure using the manual and monitor methods.
- Resting Heart Rate — are you rested and recovered
- Exercise Heart Rate — a measure of intensity and fitness
- see also the table of Heart Rate training ranges
Related Products
- Heart Rate Monitors for sale, also ECG Monitors
- Free! Fitness and Nutrition Organizer — organize and manage all your fitness testing information as well as your training and nutritional intake with BodyByte.
