1. What is Heart Rate Range?

The Heart Rate Range is the difference between your maximum heart rate (MHR) and resting heart rate (RHR). It represents your full working heart rate capacity and is useful for exercise intensity prescription.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( MHR \) — Maximum heart rate (beats per minute)
• \( RHR \) — Resting heart rate (beats per minute)

Explanation: The range shows your heart's capacity to increase its rate from rest to maximum effort.

3. Importance of Heart Rate Range

Details: Knowing your heart rate range helps in setting appropriate exercise intensity zones and monitoring cardiovascular fitness improvements over time.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your maximum heart rate (typically estimated as 220 - age) and resting heart rate (best measured first thing in the morning before getting out of bed). Both values must be positive numbers with MHR > RHR.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I measure my maximum heart rate?
A: The most accurate way is through a maximal exercise test. The common estimation is 220 - age, but this can vary by ±10-15 bpm.

Q2: What's a normal resting heart rate?
A: Typically 60-100 bpm for adults, with athletes often having lower rates (40-60 bpm).

Q3: Why is heart rate range important for exercise?
A: It helps define training zones (e.g., 50-70% of range for fat burning, 70-85% for cardio improvement).

Q4: Does heart rate range change with fitness?
A: Yes, as your resting heart rate decreases with improved fitness, your range increases even if maximum heart rate stays the same.

Q5: Can medications affect these values?
A: Yes, beta blockers and other medications can affect both resting and maximum heart rates.