Anaerobic Heart Rate Calculator
The Anaerobic Heart Rate Calculator estimates your target heart rate zone based on your age, gender, resting heart rate, and fitness level. This tool helps runners, cyclists, and athletes optimize high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for peak performance. Whether you are running sprints, cycling intervals, or cross-training, this calculator provides precise zones to improve speed and avoid overtraining.
How Anaerobic Heart Rate Is Calculated
The anaerobic heart rate zone represents the intensity where your body stops using oxygen and starts burning stored carbohydrates for quick energy. First, we estimate your Maximum Heart Rate (MHR) using your age and gender through established formulas. Then, we apply a specific percentage range based on your chosen fitness level to find your target beats per minute. This step-by-step method ensures the zones match your physical ability.
Male/Other: 220 - Age | Female: 206 - (0.88 x Age)
Where:
- Maximum Heart Rate (MHR) is the theoretical top speed your heart can beat.
- Fitness Level determines the percentage applied (Beginner: 75-85% vs Athlete: 88-95%).
This widely accepted method ensures your training zones are specific to your physiology, helping you train safely and effectively.
What Your Anaerobic Heart Rate Means
This number tells you the exact beats per minute (bpm) required to push your body into high-intensity mode. It is the specific range where you build speed, power, and endurance.
HIIT Sessions
Stay in this zone for 30 to 90 seconds during high-intensity intervals. This approach maximizes calorie burn and significantly improves muscle power. Most adults will see a range between 150 and 180 bpm for these workouts.
Speed Work
Run or cycle at this rate for short bursts to improve your top-end speed. Aim to reach the upper limit of your zone, often 170 to 190 bpm for trained athletes, for 1 to 2 minutes followed by rest.
Lactate Threshold
Training here raises the point where your muscles fatigue. This allows you to perform harder for longer periods without getting tired quickly during competitions.
Important: Your heart rate varies daily due to stress, hydration, and sleep. Do not ignore signs of dizziness or extreme pain, even if your heart rate is within the target zone.
This tool is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new high-intensity exercise program to ensure it is safe for your specific health conditions.
Pro Tip
Use a chest strap heart rate monitor instead of a wrist watch for more accurate readings during high-intensity movement.