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No. 03 · Cardio

Heart Rate Zones

Find your five training zones. Add your resting heart rate, a measured max or your lactate threshold, and the zones get more personal. Each method is referenced below.

Sex

Women can choose a women-specific max heart rate estimate.

yrs

Used to estimate max heart rate.

bpm

On waking, lying still. Unlocks heart rate reserve.

bpm

Only if measured, from a hard test or race.

Max heart rate

187bpm

Estimated with Tanaka (208 − 0.7 × age). Individual values can differ substantially. A measured max is better.

Add your resting heart rate to use heart rate reserve. Add your lactate threshold heart rate (under Advanced) to use it.

  1. Zone 1 · Recovery

    94–111bpm

    Very easy: warm-ups, cool-downs and recovery.

    Feels like: Chat freely · RPE 1–2

    50–60% of max HR

  2. Zone 2 · Endurance

    112–130bpm

    Easy, conversational: builds your aerobic base. Most training time goes here.

    Feels like: Full sentences · RPE 3–4

    60–70% of max HR

  3. Zone 3 · Tempo

    131–149bpm

    Moderate, comfortably hard: steady aerobic work.

    Feels like: Short sentences · RPE 5–6

    70–80% of max HR

  4. Zone 4 · Threshold

    150–167bpm

    Hard: sustained efforts around your lactate threshold.

    Feels like: A few words at a time · RPE 7–8

    80–90% of max HR

  5. Zone 5 · Maximal

    168–187bpm

    Very hard: short intervals that push aerobic capacity (VO2 max).

    Feels like: Can't talk · RPE 9–10

    90–100% of max HR

Heart rate drifts up in heat and on long sessions, and wrist monitors can lag during intervals. If you take beta blockers or other heart rate medicines, these zones won't apply; follow your doctor's guidance. Estimates only, not medical advice.

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Disclaimer

This tool provides estimates for general educational purposes only and is not medical or professional advice. It is intended for adults aged 18 and over. Predicted maximum heart rate can differ from your true maximum by 10 bpm or more. Do not attempt a maximal heart rate test without medical clearance if you have, or may have, a heart condition, high blood pressure or another medical condition, or take medicines that affect heart rate. If you are new to exercise, consult a qualified health professional, such as an accredited exercise physiologist, before starting. Stop exercising and seek help if you feel chest pain, dizziness, unusual breathlessness or palpitations.

Privacy: All calculations are performed locally in your browser. No personal data is collected, transmitted, or stored.