Question 1

What are heart rate training zones?

Accepted Answer

Heart rate training zones are ranges of exercise intensity, expressed as a percentage of your maximum heart rate or heart rate reserve. There are 5 zones, each producing different training adaptations — from fat burning in Zone 2 to maximal cardiovascular output in Zone 5. Training in specific zones helps you achieve your fitness goals more efficiently.

Question 2

What is the Karvonen method?

Accepted Answer

The Karvonen method (Heart Rate Reserve method) calculates training zones by accounting for your resting heart rate. The formula is: Target HR = ((Max HR − Resting HR) × Intensity%) + Resting HR. This personalises your zones based on your current fitness level, making it more accurate than simple percentage-of-max calculations.

Question 3

How do I find my resting heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Measure your resting heart rate first thing in the morning before getting out of bed. Count your pulse for 60 seconds, or count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4. A healthy adult resting heart rate is typically 60–100 bpm, with trained athletes often below 60 bpm. Take readings on 3 consecutive mornings and use the average.

Question 4

What zone is best for fat burning?

Accepted Answer

Zone 2 (60–70% of heart rate reserve) is commonly called the fat-burning zone because a higher proportion of calories come from fat at this intensity. However, higher zones burn more total calories per minute. For overall fat loss, a combination of Zone 2 steady-state cardio and higher-intensity intervals typically produces the best results.

Question 5

How often should I train in each zone?

Accepted Answer

Most endurance training plans follow an 80/20 distribution: approximately 80% of training in Zones 1–2 (easy, aerobic base) and 20% in Zones 3–5 (harder efforts). This polarised approach is supported by research and used by elite endurance athletes. Beginners should prioritise Zone 2 base building before adding higher-intensity work.

Question 6

What is a normal maximum heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Maximum heart rate declines with age. The Tanaka formula estimates it as 208 − (0.7 × age). For a 30-year-old, that's approximately 187 bpm. For a 50-year-old, approximately 173 bpm. Individual variation can be ±10–20 bpm from these estimates — the only way to know your true max is a supervised maximal exercise test.

❤️ Heart Rate Zone Calculator

❤️ Karvonen Method

🎯 The 5 Zones

💡 Training Tips

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How this estimate is produced

Why HR Training Works

The 80/20 Rule

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