So, what is the best way to estimate maximum heart rate?
World-class athlete and heart rate monitor guru Sally Edwards calls this the Best-Fit Formula. After years of searching for a better formula, she believes it to be the most accurate to date. Here it is: 210 minus 50% of your age minus 5% of your body weight (pounds) + 4 if male and 0 if female = Estimated Maximum heart rate. But, exercising in the water throws another curve ball Are heart rates during aquatic exercise the same as on land? No! Aqua heart rates are 13% or 17 beats per minute lower in water than heart rates during comparable land exercise. Why is my heart rate lower in water than on land? There are five theories. And they make good sense! Temperature – Water cools the body with less effort than air. This reduced effort means less work for the heart, resulting in a lower heart rate. Gravity – Water reduces the effect of gravity on the body. Blood flows from below the heart back up to it with less effort, resulting in a lowered heart rate. Compression – Water is thought to
