Maximum Heart Rate & Heart Rate Zones

The Maximum Heart Rate & Heart Rate Zones calculator calculates heart rate values based entirely upon the revised ABCC/BCF training guidelines which are based upon the riders maximum heart rate. Riders who have no idea what there maximum heart rate (MHR) can estimate it from the following equations:


Maximum Heart Rate & Heart Rate Zones

If you know your Maximum Heart Rate you may enter it below. Otherwise enter your age and gender above and click the "Get Maximum Heart Rate" button and your Maximum Heart Rate will be estimated.


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Heart Rate Zones

  • Recovery: Short rides (non-training) for recovery
  • Zone 1 (60-65%): Development of economy and efficiency with very high volume, low stress work. Very long sessions improve the combustion and storage of fats. Combine with Zone 2 for practical unstructured low stress rides
  • Zone 2 (65-75%): Development of economy and efficiency with high volume, moderate stress work. An important intensity for establishing a firm base for all riders. Combine with Zone 1 for practical unstructured low stress rides.
  • Zone 3 (75-82%): Development of aerobic capacity and endurance with moderate volume work at a controlled intensity. Should be done alone or in a small group to stay in zone. Possible (but boring) on a turbo trainer for up to one hour in bad weather. 'Modules' can be incorporated into Zone 1 or 2 rides to increase intensity whilst maintaining volume.
  • Zone 4 (82-89%): Typical 'mean' intensity of most road races. Useful for tapering and as preparation, to simulate race pace, rather than as training. Sessions should be ended when the effort starts to tell.
  • Zone 5 (89-94%): Raising of anaerobic threshold, improvement of lactate clearance and adaptation to race speed. Should be done alone and:
    1. as a specific road or 'turbo' session or
    2. for controlled periods within a shortened Zone 1 or 2 session or
    3. in a 10 or 25 mile time trial.
  • Zone 6 (94-100%): High intensity interval training to increase maximum power and improve lactate production or clearance. Probably best done on hills or a 'turbo' trainer. NOTE 1. Should be done only when completely recovered from previous work. NOTE 2. Heart rates are not the best guide for this type of training. Intensity should be such that the effort can just be held to the end of the interval. Ride on feel and use heart rate for feedback.