Maximum Heart Rate (maxHR) is the highest number of heartbeats per minute your body can reach during intense physical exertion.
It’s a key metric used to personalize heart rate training zones, helping you train at the right intensity for your fitness goals — whether that's fat burning, endurance, or performance.
One of the most common ways to estimate your maxHR is using the formula 220 minus your age or using our cycling heart rate zones calculator, but this is just a general rule of thumb.
For more accurate results, you can perform a field test or use data from a wearable device that tracks your heart rate during all-out efforts.
Knowing your true maxHR allows you to create more precise training zones, avoid undertraining or overtraining, and make the most of every session.
Whether you're just starting or looking to optimize your plan, understanding your maxHR is a crucial first step in building a smarter, more effective cycling training plan.