1. What is Heart Rate Reserve?

Heart Rate Reserve (HRR) is the difference between your maximum heart rate and resting heart rate. It represents the range of heart rate available for exercise and is used to calculate exercise intensity zones.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple HRR formula:

Where:

• \( Max\ HR \) — Maximum heart rate (beats per minute)
• \( Resting\ HR \) — Resting heart rate (beats per minute)

Explanation: The formula calculates the range between your minimum and maximum heart rates, which is useful for determining exercise intensity.

3. Importance of HRR Calculation

Details: HRR is important for setting appropriate exercise intensity levels, especially in cardiac rehabilitation and athletic training programs. It's often used in the Karvonen method for calculating target heart rate zones.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your maximum heart rate and resting heart rate in beats per minute (bpm). For best results, measure your resting heart rate first thing in the morning before getting out of bed.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I determine my maximum heart rate?
A: The most accurate method is through a graded exercise test. The common formula "220 - age" is an estimate and may not be accurate for all individuals.

Q2: What's a normal heart rate reserve?
A: Normal values vary by fitness level. Generally, fitter individuals have a higher HRR due to lower resting heart rates.

Q3: How is HRR used in exercise programming?
A: HRR is used to calculate target heart rate zones by taking a percentage of HRR and adding it to resting HR (Karvonen method).

Q4: Can HRR change over time?
A: Yes, as your fitness improves, your resting HR typically decreases, which increases your HRR.

Q5: Is HRR the same as heart rate variability?
A: No, HRR measures the range between max and resting HR, while HRV measures the variation in time between heartbeats.