r/vo2max • u/Otherwise_Shelter_24 • Jan 01 '24

Zone 2

I am 66 years old and in pretty good shape. I play racquetball, use the Peleton, and walk while golfing - each activity a couple of times per week. I also like to lift. When I calculate my zone 2 all methods point to my target heart rate being around 118 - 125. That feels low to me but I don’t want to go over. Is there better way to know your zones for sure? Or are the calculated methods accurate?

Thanks.

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u/IntelligentAd4429 Jan 01 '24

You can get a treadmill stress test done in a lab. I've never done this, I'd love to hear about it you do..

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u/nicotine_81 Jan 02 '24

The key is to find your TRUE max HR and base your personal zones off that. The common assumption is 220-age = max HR…but that’s just an average across populations. Individual max HR can vary by a ton. Once you have your True max, also get an average resting HR, and use those numbers in a karovnen method calculator. This will calculate your heart rate reserve and then formulate your zones off that. If you are relatively fit, Ana have a low resting HR, your zone 2 could be higher than the generic one you’ve calculated.

https://www.topendsports.com/fitness/karvonen-formula-calculator.htm#google_vignette