High School

How can you find your estimated maximum heart rate?

A. Multiply your resting heart rate by four.
B. Add your age to 220.
C. Subtract your age from 220.
D. Subtract your resting heart rate from 220.

Answer :

Final answer:

To find an estimated maximum heart rate, subtract your age from 220. This figure can then be used to calculate target heart rate zones for different intensity levels of physical activity, which are expressed as percentages of the maximum heart rate. Therefore the correct option is C.

Explanation:

To find your estimated maximum heart rate, you should subtract your age from 220. For example, if you are 25 years old, your estimated maximum heart rate would be 220 - 25, which equals 195 beats per minute (bpm). Once you have this number, you can calculate your target heart rate for different intensity levels.

For moderate-intensity physical activity, your target heart rate should be between 64% and 76% of your maximum heart rate. At the age of 25, this would be:

  • 64% level: 195 x 0.64 = 124.8, which you can round to 125 bpm
  • 76% level: 195 x 0.76 = 148.2, which you can round to 148 bpm

For vigorous-intensity physical activity, the target heart rate should be between 77% and 93% of your maximum heart rate. At age 25, this would equate to:

  • 77% level: 195 x 0.77 = 150.15, which can be rounded to 150 bpm
  • 93% level: 195 x 0.93 = 181.35, which can be rounded to 181 bpm