Heart Rate Reserve (HRR)
![](/mediawiki/images/thumb/d/dc/HeartRateSimplified.png/500px-HeartRateSimplified.png)
Heart Rate Reserve (HRR) is the difference between your Maximum Heart Rate (HRmax) and Resting Heart Rate (HRrest). Exercise intensity can be evaluated by comparing your heart rate as a percentage of HRR. The calculation to work out %HRR is (HRex – HRrest)/(HRmax – HRrest), where HRex is the exercise Heart Rate. so a HRmax of 180, a HRrest of 40 and HRex of 140 would be (140 – 40)/(180 – 40), which is 71%. Using %HRR is better than a percentage of HRmax. as it reflects the relative intensity more accurately. For example, if two athletes both have a HRmax of 180, but one has a HRrest of 40 and the other 70, at HRex of 140would be same %HRmax, but one is at 64 %HRR and the other is at 71 %HRR. However, for HRR to be of value, you have to test your HRmax, as it cannot be calculated. Most Heart Rate Monitors will display your %HRR if you input your HRmax and HRrest.
See Also
- Maximum Heart Rate
- Resting Rate Reserve
- Pulse Oximeter
- Heart Rate Deflection