The maximum heart rate (MHR) is a crucial measurement in the realm of exercise and fitness. It refers to the highest number of times your heart can beat per minute during intense physical activity. Understanding one's MHR is essential for designing effective workout routines and monitoring progress.
When exercising, the heart works harder to pump blood and deliver oxygen to the muscles. The MHR is the upper limit of this increased heart activity. By staying within a certain percentage of the MHR, individuals can optimize their workouts for specific goals, such as improving cardiovascular endurance or burning fat. To calculate one's MHR, simply subtract the person's age from 220. For example, a 30-year-old would have an estimated MHR of 190 beats per minute (220 - 30 = 190).