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Walking Workouts - Maximum Heart Rate

By Wendy Bumgardner, About.com

Updated: December 11, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Maximum Heart Rate (MHR)

You will need to know your MHR to ensure you are working out at the right pace. Your maximum heart rate is determined by your genetic make-up, gender, and age. The rule-of-thumb formulas work for many people, but the only accurate method is to have it tested by a cardiologist or exercise physiologist by a treadmill stress test, or by an experienced coach under field conditions. If you are over the age of 35, overweight, have been sedentary for several years, or have a history of heart disease in your family, testing is recommended.

Basic MHR
Men = 220 minus Age
Women = 226 minus Age

Approximate Maximum Heart Rate (beats per minute)
Age | Maximum Heart Rate
20 Male: 200 | Female: 208
25 Male: 195 | Female: 201
30 Male: 190 | Female: 196
35 Male: 185 | Female: 191
40 Male: 180 | Female: 186
45 Male: 175 | Female: 181
50 Male: 170 | Female: 175
55 Male: 165 | Female: 171
60 Male: 160 | Female: 166
65 Male: 155 | Female: 161
70 Male: 150 | Female: 156

Heartrate Calculator
Enter your age and target percentage to see the desired beats per minute.

Heart Rate Monitors - Before You Buy

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