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Target Heart Rate Zones

Your Zones (Karvonen)

  • Max HR
  • Fat Burn (50-60%)
  • Aerobic (70-80%)
  • Anaerobic (80-90%)

The Karvonen Method Explained

This calculator uses the Karvonen formula, which factors in your Resting Heart Rate (RHR) to calculate Heart Rate Reserve (HRR). This provides a more personalized target zone than simply multiplying your maximum heart rate by a percentage.

Common Mistakes in Heart Rate Training

  • Overestimating Max HR: The standard "220 - Age" formula can have a standard deviation of 10-12 beats per minute.
  • Not adjusting for medications: Beta-blockers, for example, artificially lower both resting and maximum heart rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the "Fat Burning" zone?

Training at 50-60% of your HRR relies proportionally more on fat oxidation for energy. However, higher intensity zones burn more total calories (and thus total fat) in the same amount of time.