Heart rate (HR) zone training magnifies the intensity of your training in correlation with your heart rate. Each training level is uniquely associated with specific heart rates, making heart rate zone training an ideal approach to modulating exercise intensity. Your heart rate zones are determined by the heart rate ranges that align with these training intensity levels. Various zones are designed to target distinct physiological systems within the body, thereby assisting individuals in achieving their fitness objectives. For instance, Zone 2 is typically utilized for enhancing cardiovascular fitness, while Zone 4 is ideal for improving anaerobic endurance. By familiarizing themselves with their heart rate zones, individuals can modify the intensity of their workouts to realize their fitness aspirations.
HR zones were initially introduced by Scandinavian cross-country ski teams in the early 1980s with noteworthy success. Since then, HR zone training has been recognized as the gold standard for endurance training.
Each heart rate zone is defined by a specific purpose that aligns perfectly with physiology. These zones are categorized as follows:
Aerobic Effort
The heart rate range where your body generates energy through oxygen (lactate is eliminated by the body).
Lactose Threshold
The point where the lactate produced by your muscles transitions from being removable by the body to accumulating in the blood stream.
Anaerobic Effort
The heart rate range where your body generates energy sans oxygen (lactate accumulates).
The most precise method to calculate your HR zones involves a supervised laboratory test known as a VO₂ max test. This test will provide you with your aerobic, anaerobic and lactate threshold, in addition to your maximum heart rate (HRmax). Armed with these data points, you can effortlessly establish your HR zones.
If you lack access to a VO₂ max test, there are alternative methods and formulas available to approximate your HR max (Refer to ‘How To Calculate Your Max Heart Rate’). With your HR max, you can create your heart rate zones with reasonable accuracy.
Within these categories, heart rate zone definitions may exhibit minor differences based on the source or trainer. Some heart rate zone charts may designate Zone 1 as a recovery state, while others may not include a maximum effort zone. In this guide, we'll commence with Zone 1 after the recovery state (a very light workout level) and conclude at Zone 5 (maximum effort).
Zones can be approximated as a percentage of the maximum heart rate. Here's how these zones can be calculated:
ZONE 1 min = 0.55 * HRmax
ZONE 2 min = 0.75 * HRmax
ZONE 3 min = 0.80 * HRmax
ZONE 4 min = 0.90 * HRmax
ZONE 5 min = 0.95 * HRmax
For more precise heart rate zones, it's beneficial to know your resting heart rate (HRrest). The Karvonen Formula can be utilized for this purpose:
ZONE 1 min = (0.5 * (HRmax - HRrest)) + HRrest
ZONE 2 min = (0.71 * (HRmax - HRrest)) + HRrest
ZONE 3 min = (0.81 * (HRmax - HRrest)) + HRrest
ZONE 4 min = (0.88 * (HRmax - HRrest)) + HRrest
ZONE 5 min = (0.95 * (HRmax - HRrest)) + HRrest
If you're unable to identify your HRmax, your level of ventilation can serve as a reliable indicator of the zone you're in. The heart rate zone chart below corresponds to your breathing and ability to converse while exercising.
Periodization, the art of varying your training load and heart rate zones according to a plan, helps maximize your peak performance. For additional information, refer to "Maximize You Performance with Periodization Training".
Heart rate zones are influenced by variables that may slowly change over time, such as maximum heart rate (HRmax) and resting heart rate (HRrest). There are also several methods with varying accuracy levels to ascertain your HRmax, including VO₂ max, field test, Fairburn Formula, Gelish Formula, and others. When training with HR zones, it's vital that your zones are as accurate as possible. The Pedestal app streamlines this process by continuously checking for changes in formula parameters and determining the most accurate method for you. It updates your HR zones in real-time, ensuring that you gain the maximum benefits from your training.
Leverage the Pedestal app to supercharge your workouts.
