Which heart rate percentage range is suggested for competitive athletes during interval training?

The suggested heart rate percentage range for competitive athletes during interval training is 85-90%. This range is optimal for athletes because interval training typically requires high-intensity bursts of effort followed by rest or lower-intensity periods. Working within this heart rate range allows athletes to achieve maximum cardiovascular adaptation and enhance their performance levels.

Training at 85-90% of maximum heart rate promotes improvements in speed, strength, and overall endurance. Competitive athletes often need to develop their anaerobic capacity, and training in this zone pushes their cardiovascular systems to adapt to higher levels of exertion.

While lower percentages, such as those in the 60-70% or 70-80% ranges, are often suitable for general fitness or recovery workouts, they don’t provide the same intensity level necessary for competitive athletes seeking peak performance. The highest ranges of 90-100% may be sustainable for only short bursts in a carefully structured training program and are more suited for maximal effort sprints rather than for most of the interval training.

Thus, the 85-90% range is the most beneficial for athletes looking to maximize their training effectiveness during interval sessions.