Sports Calculators
Performance metrics, training zones, and athletic calculation tools
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my target heart rate zone?
Formula: Max Heart Rate = 220 - Age. Training zones: Zone 1 (50-60% max): Easy recovery. Zone 2 (60-70%): Fat burning, base building. Zone 3 (70-80%): Aerobic endurance. Zone 4 (80-90%): Anaerobic threshold. Zone 5 (90-100%): Max effort. Example: 35 years old, max HR = 185. Zone 2 = 111-130 bpm. Most cardio should be Zone 2-3. High-intensity interval training uses Zone 4-5. Use heart rate monitor for accuracy. Our calculator determines optimal zones for your goals and fitness level.
How many calories does exercise burn?
Varies by intensity, weight, duration. Approximate calories/hour for 155lb person: Walking (3mph): 230, Jogging (5mph): 465, Running (8mph): 865, Cycling (moderate): 520, Swimming: 445, Weightlifting: 220, Yoga: 185. Heavier people burn more calories. Formula: (MET × Weight in kg × Time in hours) = Calories. Cardiovascular exercise burns more during activity, resistance training boosts metabolism after. Track with fitness watch or our calorie burn calculator for personalized estimates based on your stats.
What is VO2 max and why does it matter?
VO2 max measures maximum oxygen consumption during intense exercise—the gold standard of cardiovascular fitness. Measured in ml/kg/min. Elite athletes: 70-85. Good fitness: 45-55. Average: 35-45. Low: <35. Higher VO2 max = better endurance, faster recovery, improved health. Improves with training: interval training most effective. Declines ~10% per decade after 30 without exercise. Matters for: race performance prediction, training effectiveness, cardiovascular health assessment. Our VO2 max calculator estimates from age, gender, resting heart rate, activity level.
How much protein do athletes need?
General population: 0.8g per kg body weight. Active individuals: 1.2-1.6g/kg. Strength athletes: 1.6-2.2g/kg. Endurance athletes: 1.2-1.4g/kg. Example: 175lb (80kg) person lifting weights needs 128-176g protein daily. Timing: 20-40g within 2 hours post-workout for recovery. Spread intake throughout day—body can only use ~30g per meal effectively. Excess protein doesn't build more muscle. Sources: chicken, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, tofu. Our protein calculator determines your daily needs based on goals.
How do I calculate my one-rep max?
1RM is the maximum weight you can lift for one repetition. Formula: 1RM = Weight × (1 + Reps/30). Example: Bench press 200lbs × 8 reps = 200 × (1 + 8/30) = 200 × 1.27 = 253lb estimated 1RM. Most accurate at 1-10 reps. Use to program training: 85-100% 1RM = strength, 67-85% = hypertrophy, 50-67% = endurance. Test 1RM rarely (risk of injury). Our calculator estimates from any rep range and suggests training percentages for your goals.
How long should I rest between sets?
Rest periods by goal: Strength (1-5 reps, 85%+ 1RM): 3-5 min. Hypertrophy (6-12 reps, 67-85% 1RM): 1-3 min. Endurance (12+ reps, <67% 1RM): 30-90 sec. Power/explosive: 3-5 min. Beginners: 2-3 min for all. Compound exercises (squat, deadlift) need longer rest than isolation (bicep curls). Inadequate rest = form breakdown and injury risk. Excessive rest = inefficient workout. Track rest times with timer for consistency and progressive overload.
How do I prevent running injuries?
Key strategies: Increase mileage gradually (10% per week max). Mix easy and hard days (80/20 rule—80% easy, 20% hard). Include rest days (1-2 per week). Cross-train to reduce impact. Strength train legs and core. Proper footwear replaced every 300-500 miles. Warm up before runs, cool down after. Listen to your body—pain is warning signal. Common injuries: shin splints, runner's knee, plantar fasciitis. Address issues early before they worsen. Our training calculator builds progressive plans that minimize injury risk.
What is the best way to track fitness progress?
Multi-metric approach: Body composition (not just weight—track body fat %, measurements). Performance (strength gains, speed improvements, endurance milestones). Recovery (resting heart rate, sleep quality, soreness levels). Consistency (workout frequency, adherence rate). Photos (monthly progress pics show changes scale doesn't). How you feel (energy, mood, confidence). Avoid scale obsession—muscle gain + fat loss can maintain weight while transforming body. Track weekly averages, not daily fluctuations. Use app or spreadsheet for trends over time.
Sports Performance & Training
Athletic performance improvement requires precise measurement and data-driven training. Our sports calculators help you track progress, set goals, and optimize your training for better results.
Key Performance Metrics
Essential measurements for athletic improvement:
- Pace and speed calculations
- Distance and time conversions
- Calorie burn and energy expenditure
- Heart rate and training zones
- VO2 max and fitness levels
Training Fundamentals
Core principles for effective athletic training:
- Progressive Overload - Gradually increase training intensity
- Specificity - Train for your specific sport or goals
- Recovery - Allow adequate rest between sessions
- Periodization - Plan training cycles and peaks
Performance Optimization
Strategies to maximize athletic performance:
- Track and analyze performance data regularly
- Set specific, measurable goals
- Focus on proper nutrition and hydration
- Prioritize sleep and recovery
- Work with qualified coaches and trainers