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To find the Target Heart Rate at a specific intensity, which calculation should be used after finding MHR?

  1. (MHR - RHR) x % intensity

  2. (RHR - MHR) x % intensity

  3. (MHR + RHR) x % intensity

  4. (MHR - RHR) + % intensity

The correct answer is: (MHR - RHR) x % intensity

The correct approach to finding the Target Heart Rate (THR) involves using the difference between Maximum Heart Rate (MHR) and Resting Heart Rate (RHR), often referred to as the Heart Rate Reserve (HRR). The formula you would use is (MHR - RHR) x % intensity. By subtracting RHR from MHR, you calculate the HRR, which reflects the range of increase in heart rate that can be utilized for exercise. After determining the HRR, you multiply it by the desired intensity percentage (as a decimal) to determine how much of that reserve you want to tap into during your training. Finally, you add the RHR back to this product to find the target heart rate during exercise. This method ensures that the exercise intensity is tailored to the individual's fitness level, accounting for their resting heart rate. The other options do not correctly apply this concept, as they either misuse the arithmetic operations involving MHR and RHR or incorrectly define the relationship between these variables, which is crucial for accurately determining an exercise target heart rate.