Heart Rate Zone Calculations
Zone
% of Maximum Heart
Rate
Perceived Exertion
Benefits
1
50–60%
Relaxed, easy pace, rhythmic breathing
Beginning-level aerobic training,
reduces stress
2
60–70%
Comfortable pace, slightly deeper
breathing, conversation possible
Basic cardiovascular training, good
recovery pace
3
70–80%
Moderate pace, more difficult to hold
conversation
Improved aerobic capacity, optimal
cardiovascular training
4
80–90%
Fast pace and a bit uncomfortable,
breathing forceful
Improved anaerobic capacity and
threshold, improved speed
5
90–100%
Sprinting pace, unsustainable for long
period of time, labored breathing
Anaerobic and muscular endurance,
increased power
VO2 Max. Standard Ratings
These tables include standardized classifications for VO2 max. estimates by age and gender.
Males
Percentile
20–29
30–39
40–49
50–59
60–69
70–79
Superior
95
55.4
54
52.5
48.9
45.7
42.1
Excellent
80
51.1
48.3
46.4
43.4
39.5
36.7
Good
60
45.4
44
42.4
39.2
35.5
32.3
Fair
40
41.7
40.5
38.5
35.6
32.3
29.4
Poor
0–40
<41.7
<40.5
<38.5
<35.6
<32.3
<29.4
Females
Percentile
20–29
30–39
40–49
50–59
60–69
70–79
Superior
95
49.6
47.4
45.3
41.1
37.8
36.7
Excellent
80
43.9
42.4
39.7
36.7
33
30.9
Good
60
39.5
37.8
36.3
33
30
28.1
Fair
40
36.1
34.4
33
30.1
27.5
25.9
Poor
0–40
<36.1
<34.4
<33
<30.1
<27.5
<25.9
Data reprinted with permission from The Cooper Institute. For more information, go to
.
Appendix
31
