About Heart Rate Zones
Many athletes use heart rate zones to measure and increase
their cardiovascular strength and improve their level of fitness. A
heart rate zone is a set range of heartbeats per minute. The five
commonly accepted heart rate zones are numbered from 1 to 5
according to increasing intensity. Generally, heart rate zones are
calculated based on percentages of your maximum heart rate.
Fitness Goals
Knowing your heart rate zones can help you measure and
improve your fitness by understanding and applying these
principles.
• Your heart rate is a good measure of exercise intensity.
• Training in certain heart rate zones can help you improve
cardiovascular capacity and strength.
If you know your maximum heart rate, you can use the table
(Heart Rate Zone Calculations, page 18) to determine the best
heart rate zone for your fitness objectives.
If you do not know your maximum heart rate, use one of the
calculators available on the Internet. Some gyms and health
centers can provide a test that measures maximum heart rate.
The default maximum heart rate is 220 minus your age.
Heart Rate Zone Calculations
Zone % of
Maximum
Heart Rate
Perceived Exertion Benefits
1 50–60% Relaxed, easy pace,
rhythmic breathing
Beginning-level
aerobic training,
reduces stress
2 60–70% Comfortable pace,
slightly deeper
breathing, conversation
possible
Basic cardiovascular
training, good
recovery pace
3 70–80% Moderate pace, more
difficult to hold
conversation
Improved aerobic
capacity, optimal
cardiovascular training
4 80–90% Fast pace and a bit
uncomfortable, breathing
forceful
Improved anaerobic
capacity and
threshold, improved
speed
5 90–100% Sprinting pace,
unsustainable for long
period of time, labored
breathing
Anaerobic and
muscular endurance,
increased power
18 Appendix
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General
Weight and Dimensions
