What is the term for the maximum heart rate minus the resting heart rate?

The term that describes the maximum heart rate minus the resting heart rate is heart rate reserve. This concept is essential in exercise physiology as it represents the range of heart rate that an individual has available for physical activity. By calculating the heart rate reserve, fitness professionals can determine the intensity of exercise that is safe and effective for an individual.

To derive heart rate reserve, one starts with the maximum heart rate, which is typically estimated by subtracting one's age from 220. The resting heart rate, which is generally measured in a state of rest, is then subtracted from this value, providing a more personalized measure of cardiovascular fitness and capacity. This calculation is crucial for developing training programs that can improve aerobic fitness and performance while ensuring safety during exercise.

Understanding heart rate reserve allows trainers and clients to quantify exercise intensity with greater accuracy, aiding in achieving specific fitness goals more effectively.