HEART RATE ZONES

Calculate precise training zones using the Karvonen method (Heart Rate Reserve), which accounts for cardiovascular fitness via Resting Heart Rate.

Used for Tanaka Max HR formula if Max HR is unknown.

Crucial for Karvonen accuracy. Measure immediately upon waking.

Target Max HR

Heart Rate Reserve (HRR)

Formula: (Max HR - Resting HR) × % Intensity + Resting HR

Zone 5: VO2 Max (90-100%)

Maximal effort. 4x4 intervals.

- bpm

Zone 4: Threshold (80-90%)

Lactate threshold. Improves anaerobic capacity.

- bpm

Zone 3: Tempo (70-80%)

Moderate aerobic. "Grey zone" for polarized training.

- bpm

Zone 2: Base Aerobic (60-70%)

Mitochondrial biogenesis. 80% of training volume.

- bpm

Zone 1: Recovery (50-60%)

Active recovery and warm-up.

- bpm