Maximum heart rate?

mahanaibu

starting to get into HIIT training and wanted to know the most accurate way of figuring out what my target heart rate should be suring the high-intensity segments. I'm 59, so I guess the simple way of figuring maximum heart rate is to subtract that from 220, and arrive at 161? But do other factors count and make that more accurate? for example, my resting heart rate is on the low side, 58; should that factor into it?

SpleenThief

That will give you a bit of a guess.

As a runner, I jogged an easy 15 minutes, ran 5 min at my 5k race pace then did five all out sprints up hill until I saw spots, taking the highest measurement during the sprint.

toutmonpossible

You can see how you feel from exercise, but at your age and I assume without a lot of experience tracking your heart rate I would stay in the recommended zone until you see a doctor. Women often have faster heart rates because their hearts are smaller. I realized soon after getting an HRM that my heart rate was off the charts. But I confirmed with a doctor and had a stress test before exercising at a heart rate was way higher than the charts indicated was safe.

Pangea250

Yes, other factors can play into it, but 220 minus age is the general rule of thumb. Why is your heart rate so low? Is it due to meds or because you're in great shape?

A stress test can give an accurate max heart rate for you.

DavPul

Unless your doctor has indicated that you should avoid strenuous exercise max heart rate isn't usually a factor. You'll run out of breath or otherwise be too exhausted to continue to the point of your heart exploding. Other indications that you should rest or stop completely are nausea, light headedness or dizziness.

At your age be sure to check with your doctor before beginning a strenuous exercise program.

1capybara

Unless your doctor has indicated that you should avoid strenuous exercise max heart rate isn't usually a factor. You'll run out of breath or otherwise be too exhausted to continue to the point of your heart exploding. Other indications that you should rest or stop completely are nausea, light headedness or dizziness.

At your age be sure to check with your doctor before beginning a strenuous exercise program.

Agreed 100%
other than that, dont worry about it. I routinely go 10 bpm over so-called maximum heart rate. its called cardio training.

BrianSharpe

Unless your doctor has indicated that you should avoid strenuous exercise max heart rate isn't usually a factor. You'll run out of breath or otherwise be too exhausted to continue to the point of your heart exploding. Other indications that you should rest or stop completely are nausea, light headedness or dizziness.

At your age be sure to check with your doctor before beginning a strenuous exercise program.

^^^^ This

The old 220 minus your age is completely arbitrary and was intended for sedentary males recovering from a heart attack......