User Manual
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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
Zone % of
Maximum
Heart Rate
Perceived Exertion Benefits
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 www.CooperInstitute.org.
Appendix 13