What is target heart rate?
Target heart rate is a training range based on exercise intensity. It helps estimate how hard you are working during cardio exercise.
How is maximum heart rate calculated?
Estimated maximum heart rate is calculated as maximum heart rate = 220 - age.
What are heart rate zones?
Heart rate zones split exercise intensity into five ranges, from easy recovery work to short maximum efforts.
Basic method vs Karvonen method
The basic method uses a percentage of maximum heart rate. Karvonen uses heart rate reserve and resting heart rate, so it is usually more personalised.
Which heart rate zone should I use?
Zone 1 is for warm-up and recovery, Zone 2 for easy cardio, Zone 3 for aerobic endurance, Zone 4 for hard threshold training, and Zone 5 for short maximum effort.
Limitations
Heart rate estimates are approximate and can be affected by medication, stress, caffeine, sleep, temperature, and fitness level.