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Heart rate training zones are calculated by taking into consideration your Maximum Heart Rate (MHR) and your Resting Heart Rate (RHR). Within each training zone, subtle physiological effects take place to enhance your fitness.
The Energy Efficient or Recovery Zone - 60% to 70%
Training within this zone develops basic endurance and aerobic capacity. All easy recovery running should be completed at a maximum of 70%. Another advantage to running in this zone is that you will be allowing your muscles to re-energise with glycogen, which has been expended during those faster paced workouts.
The Aerobic Zone - 70% to 80%
Training in this zone will develop your cardiovascular system. The body's ability to transport oxygen to, and carbon dioxide away from, the working muscles can be developed and improved, thereby improving your aerobic capacity.
The Anaerobic Zone - 80% to 90%
Training in this zone will develop your lactic acid system. In this zone, your individual anaerobic threshold (AT) is found - sometimes referred to the point of deflection (POD). During these heart rates, the amount of fat being utilised as the main source of energy is greatly reduced and glycogen stored in the muscle is predominantly used. One of the by-products of burning this glycogen is lactic acid. There is a point at which the body can no longer remove the lactic acid from the working muscles quickly enough. This is your anaerobic threshold (AT). Through the correct training, it is possible to delay the AT by being able to increase your ability to deal with the lactic acid for a longer period of time or by pushing the AT higher.
The Red Line Zone 90% to 100%
Training in this zone will only be possible for short periods. It effectively trains your fast twitch muscle fibres and helps to develop speed. This zone is reserved for interval running and only the very fit are able to train effectively within this zone.
Heart rate variations for a given intensity
A reduction in heart rate for a given intensity is usually due to an improvement in fitness but a number of other factors might explain why heart rates can vary for a given intensity:
Dehydration can increase the heart rate by up to 7.5%
Heat and humidity can increase the heart rate by 10 beats/minute
Altitude can increase the heart rate by 10 to 20%, even when acclimatised
Biological variation can mean the heart rate varies from day to day by 2 to 4 beats/minute
Resting and Maximum Heart Rate
To determine your RHR, lie down and relax. After 20 minutes determine your resting pulse rate (beats/min). This is done by counting the number of heart beats for 15 seconds and then multiplying that number by 4 to get the number of beats per minute i.e. RHR. If you have a heart rate monitor then put it on before you lie down, and only after the 20 minutes check the recordings.
To determine your MHR, subtract your age from 220.
The heart is a muscle so with regular exercise it will become larger and become more efficient as a pump. As a result you will find your resting heart rate gets lower so you will need to check your RHR on a regular basis (e.g. Monthly).
Calculation of a zone value
The calculation of a zone value, X%, is performed in the following way:
Subtract your RHR from your MHR giving us your working heart rate (WHR)
Calculate the required X% on the WHR giving us "Z"
Add "Z" and your RHR together to give us the final value
Example: The athlete's MHR is 180 and their RHR is 60 - determine the 70% value
MHR - RHR = 180 - 60 = 120
70% of 120 = 84
84 + RHR = 84 + 60 = 144 bpm
Therefore 144 bpm are required to be working efficiently in the 70% zone.
www.brianmac.co.uk
Cassie Hansen
Discovery SharkSmart: Intern Biokineticist
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