[Sportsandrec] Maximum HR for Carly

[Thornbury, Kelly]

Carly, 

For the average person, which is referred to as "normative data," you can get a rough estimate of your max HR by taking 220 and subtracting your age. This number can be off ten beats either way for the "average" person, and more if the person has certain medical or genetic conditions. 

The best way to get your true maximum HR is to have it tested in a clinical setting. Because this test requires you to put out a maximum effort, it is best done in a cardiologist's office/clinic. Even the healthiest person is at an increased risk of a heart attack for this test, so it is best done by a professional, who will also watch your ECG (heart electrical system). Another option, if you live near an university, is to contact their kinesiology department. Exercise majors are often doing these types of tests as part of their course work, and you may be able to volunteer as a test subject, provided you pass their pre-test health questionnaires. These classes are supervised by professionals, and they shouldn't charge you for the testing. 
There really is no 100% accurate way of knowing your max HR without testing it.