What Is Heart Rate Reserve?
Heart rate reserve (HRR) is the difference between maximum heart rate and resting heart rate. It is used in the Karvonen formula to set training intensities that account for individual fitness: target heart rate = resting heart rate + (heart rate reserve × intensity %).
Example
With a maximum of 185 and a resting rate of 60, HRR is 125. A 70% intensity target is 60 + 125 × 0.70 = 147.5, about 148 beats per minute.
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🔗 Related Terms
More Health & Fitness Terms
- Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
- Body Composition
- Body Fat Percentage
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Calorie
- Calorie Deficit
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Last updated: September 27, 2026. This definition is for general educational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, tax, legal, or medical advice, and it does not recommend any product or course of action. For decisions about your own situation, consult a qualified professional.