Despite growing popularity and adoption of programs incorporating heart rate (HR) zone methodology, the fitness industry in general appears to lack a solid understanding of the scientific facts and limitations to this programming concept. The goal therefore is to present relevant information so that fitness practitioners and fitness enthusiasts can better understand the pros and cons to using HR zones.

Designing a training program for an athlete to peak for competition is one of the driving goals for sports performance specialists. From the big picture annual macrocycle, to the monthly mesocycle breakdown, and the finely detailed microcycle, periods of rest need to be included in these plans to avoid overtraining and the potential negative impact on performance.