An article in the Chicago Tribune points out that the most popular method for estimating maximal or peak heart rate is not accurate for women. It sights a study conducted at Northwestern University that found 206 - (0.88 x age) to be more appropriate for women.
Actually, the standard equation used to predict maximal heart rate, 220 - age, isn't very accurate for women or men. In fact, it was developed more from a hunch rather than raw data and was never intended for such widespread use. It's popularity is based on simplicity rather than legitimacy. A 2007 study determined 207 - (0.70 x age) to be more accurate and another study came up with 208 - (0.70 x age). Both equations are for men and women. But, not many people can do that much math in their head so the old standard equation of 220 - age remains and likely always will.
Personally, I don't monitor my exercise intensity with heart rate and even if I did would it really matter. 220 - age gives me a peak heart rate of 168 while the more accurate equations give me 171. A difference of three beats per minute? No, thanks. I'll continue to run based on how I feel and leave heart rate monitoring to the highly trained, competitive runners and the anal retentive, type A personality want-to-be's.
Personally, I don't monitor my exercise intensity with heart rate and even if I did would it really matter. 220 - age gives me a peak heart rate of 168 while the more accurate equations give me 171. A difference of three beats per minute? No, thanks. I'll continue to run based on how I feel and leave heart rate monitoring to the highly trained, competitive runners and the anal retentive, type A personality want-to-be's.
3 comments:
I've always gone with the less well known rate consisting of Dr. Peppers consumed within last 24 hours times age minus number of roads a man must walk down before you call him a man.
192, does that sound right? I don't think I've ever monitored my heart rate anyway. My usual gauges are fatigue and muscle soreness the next morning.
Ben - 192 would be your peak heart rate and it's recommended that people exercise at 70-90% of that. There's formula that takes into account resting heart rate as well if you're interested but I'm with you, I gauge my exercise level based on how I feel; tired, really tired, or one notch away from passing out tired.
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