Health disclaimer
The calculators give estimates. They’re no substitute for a doctor, especially before an all-out test.
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Estimates, not a diagnosis
The calculators (max heart rate, heart rate zones, VO2max, maximal aerobic speed, race predictor, training paces) use published formulas. They give population averages, and your real numbers can be a long way off: a formula-based max heart rate is often wrong by 10 to 20 beats per minute.
These tools aren’t medical devices. They don’t diagnose anything and are no substitute for advice from your doctor or a qualified coach.
Before any all-out test
Field tests such as the Cooper test, half-Cooper, Léger-Boucher, VAMEVAL or a max heart rate test mean running flat out. Talk to your doctor first, especially if you:
- are new to running or coming back after a long break;
- are over 35;
- have heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes, or a family history of heart problems;
- take medication that affects your heart rate (beta blockers, for example);
- are pregnant.
Your doctor can set up a supervised exercise stress test, which also gives you your real max heart rate.
During exercise
Chest pain or pressure, a racing or irregular heartbeat, unusual shortness of breath, dizziness or feeling faint: stop right away. If it doesn’t pass, call 911 (US), 999 (UK) or 112 (EU).
Your responsibility
You decide how hard you train. Nico Run Lab isn’t liable for how you use the results, especially if you skip medical advice.