1. What is Target Heart Rate?

The target heart rate (THR) is the desired range of heart rate achieved during exercise that enables the heart and lungs to receive the most benefit from a workout. For a 14-year-old boy, this is typically calculated as 70% of the maximum heart rate.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formulas:

Where:

• \( \text{Max HR} \) — Maximum heart rate (beats per minute)
• \( \text{THR} \) — Target heart rate (beats per minute)
• \( \text{age} \) — Age in years
• 0.7 — 70% intensity factor for moderate exercise

Explanation: The equation first calculates the maximum heart rate based on age, then determines the target zone for moderate exercise.

3. Importance of Target Heart Rate

Details: Knowing your target heart rate helps ensure you're exercising at the right intensity to improve cardiovascular fitness without overexertion.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the age (default is 14 for a 14-year-old boy) and the calculator will show the maximum heart rate and target heart rate for moderate exercise.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use 70% for target heart rate?
A: 70% of max HR is typically recommended for moderate exercise intensity, which is ideal for cardiovascular health improvement.

Q2: What are normal heart rate ranges for a 14-year-old?
A: A typical resting heart rate is 60-100 bpm. During exercise, the target is typically 142-174 bpm (70-85% of max HR).

Q3: How accurate is the 220-age formula?
A: It's a general estimate. Individual variations exist based on fitness level, genetics, and other factors.

Q4: Should heart rate be monitored during exercise?
A: Yes, especially for young athletes, to ensure they're training at appropriate intensities.

Q5: When should I consult a doctor about heart rate?
A: If experiencing irregular heartbeats, chest pain, dizziness, or if heart rate doesn't decrease after stopping exercise.