What does the Karvonen Formula help determine?

The Karvonen Formula is specifically designed to help individuals determine their target heart rate for exercise based on their heart rate reserve. This calculation takes into account both the resting heart rate and the maximum heart rate of an individual, allowing for a personalized approach to setting exercise intensity. The formula provides a more accurate target heart rate range that corresponds with the individual’s fitness level and training goals, making it particularly effective for ensuring safe and effective cardiovascular workouts.

By incorporating heart rate reserve, which is the difference between maximum heart rate and resting heart rate, the Karvonen Formula reflects a person’s unique physiological responses to exercise, enhancing workout effectiveness and safety. Therefore, this formula is pivotal in exercise prescription and training programs for improving cardiovascular health and performance.