Before you begin your heart-rate training, there are some things you might want to know regarding your maximum heart rate (HR Max).
To determine your maximum heart rate a general formula is to subtract your age from 220. It’s important to note that calculating your maximum heart rate this way is only a guide. You may have a higher or lower maximum heart rate, sometimes by as much as 15 to 20 beats per minute. This is why taking a HR max test will give you more precise information to proceed from.
Generally only elite athletes are concerned about this level of precision. They may also use slightly different calculations that take into account sex differences in target heart rate zones. These differences are so small that most casual athletes don’t need separate calculations for men and women.
