Maximum Heart Rate
What is Maximum Heart Rate?
Maximum heart rate is the absolute upper limit of your cardiac output in beats per minute. It is genetically determined and decreases with age at approximately 1 bpm per year. The commonly cited formula 220 - age provides a rough population estimate but can be inaccurate by 10-15 bpm for individuals. For rowing-specific max HR, note that rowing max HR is typically 5-10 bpm lower than running max HR because rowing is seated and uses different muscle recruitment patterns. The most accurate way to determine rowing max HR is a graded exercise test or a hard 2K erg test. Max HR is used as the ceiling for all heart rate zone calculations, including the Karvonen formula. It does not change with training — a higher max HR does not indicate better fitness.
How Watta Uses Maximum Heart Rate
Watta uses your max HR as the upper bound for heart rate zone calculations and the Cardiac Load component of the Effort Score (40% of total). Accurate max HR input ensures precise zone boundaries and effort scoring.
Further Reading
- Concept2 Training Resources — Official training guides and workout plans from Concept2.
- Concept2 RowErg Specifications — Technical specifications and performance monitor details.
- World Rowing — The international governing body for the sport of rowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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