Listen to Your Heart
Maximum Heart Rate
The Maximum Heart Rate is determined by using the participant's age. You must never exceed, or exercise near the maximum heart rate. Influences such as illness, coffee, alcohol and drugs can cause the heart rate to increase to dangerous levels. A general formula to determine the maximum heart rate is to use the following calculation:
General Formula
Maximum HR = 220 – Age
Some exercise enthusiasts have suggested that each exercise should have its own heart rate calculation. Examples of this concept are:
Formulas Used For Running
Max Heart Rate (Male) = 214 - Age × 0.8
Max Heart Rate (Female) = 209 - Age × 0.7
Formulas Used For Swimming or Aerobics
Max Heart Rate (Male) = 198 - Age × 0.8
Max Heart Rate (Female) = 193 - Age × 0.7
Inline Skating, Cycling, and Rowing heart rates would be slightly below Running, and above Swimming.