Listen to Your Heart Maximum Heart Rate The Maximum Heart Rate is determined by using the participant’s age. You must never exceed, or exercise near the maximum heart rate. Influences such as illness, coffee, and alcohol and drugs can cause the heart rate to increase to dangerous levels. A general formula to determine the maximum heart rate is to use the following calculation: Maximum HR = 220 – Age Some exercise enthusiants have suggested that each exercise should have it’s own heart rate calculation. Examples of this concept are: Formulas Used For Running Max Heart Rate (Male) = 214 - Age * 0.8 Max Heart Rate (Female) = 209 - Age * 0.7 Formulas Used For Swimming or Aerobics Max Heart Rate (Male) = 198 - Age * 0.8 Max Heart Rate (Female) = 193 - Age * 0.7 Inline Skating, Cycling, Rowing heart rates would be slightly below Running, and above Swimming.