*Fat Burning Zone = 60-70% Training Heart Rate
Karnoven Heart Rate Formula (HR)
Formula: THR = ((HRmax - HRrest) × %Intensity) + HRrest
abbreviations
| THR |
Training (or Target) Heart Rate |
| HRmax |
Maximum Heart Rate |
| HRrest |
Resting Heart Rate
Males = 220 - AGE
Females = 226 - AGE |
| %Intensity |
The percentage of your HRmax |
The Karvonen method calculates your training heart rate zones based on your fitness level.
As your fitness level increases, your resting (minimum) heart rate drops. The heart rate reserve is your maximum heart rate minus your resting heart rate. The resting heart rate is determined by testing -- put your heart rate monitor on just after you wake up and keep it on for about fifteen minutes. Your heart rate at its lowest during this period is your resting heart rate.
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Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is the measurement of choice for many physicians and researchers studying obesity. BMI uses a mathematical formula that takes into account both a person's height and weight. BMI equals a person's weight divided by their height. (BMI= weight/height). The following table further describes the risk level associated with BMI and waist size.
Risk of Associated Disease According to BMI and Waist Size
| BMI |
BMI Category |
Waist less than or equal to 40 in. (men) or 35 in.(women) |
Waist greater than 40 in. (men) or 35 in. (women) |
| 18.5 or less |
Underweight |
-- |
N/A |
| 18.5 - 24.9 |
Normal |
-- |
N/A |
| 25.0 - 29.9 |
Overweight |
Increased |
High |
| 30.0 - 34.9 |
Obese |
High |
Very High |
| 35.0 - 39.9 |
Obese |
Very High |
Very High |
| 40 or greater |
Extremely Obese |
Extremely High |
Extremely High |
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Caloric Expenditure using Harris-Benedict Equation
The Harris Benedict Equation uses your Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) and then applies an activity factor to determine your total daily energy expenditure (or calorie needs). The only factor omitted by the Harris Benedict Equation is lean body mass. Remember, leaner bodies need more calories than less leaner ones. Therefore, this equation will be very accurate in all but the very muscular (will under-estimate calorie needs) and the very fat (will over-estimate calorie needs).
Harris- Benedict Formulas:
- Males: RMR = 66 + (13.7 × W in kg*) + (5 × H in cm**) - (6.8 × Age in yrs.)
- Females: RMR = 655 + (9.6 × W in kg) + (1.8 × H in cm) - (4.7 × Age in yrs.)
- *2.2 Pounds = 1 Kilograms
- **1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
Calorie Needs are determined by multiplying your RMR with an activity level. The following table describes each Activity multiplier:
Calorie requirements based on activity factors
| Activity multiplier |
Activity Level |
| 1.2 |
sedentary lifestyle |
| 1.3 |
aerobic exercise 3 times a week |
| 1.5 |
aerobic exercise 5 times a week |
| 1.6 |
aerobic exercise 7 times a week |
| 1.7 |
true athlete |
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