During max effort sprints, what percentage of maximum heart rate is targeted?

The targeted percentage of maximum heart rate during max effort sprints is generally within the range of 85-90%. This level of intensity corresponds to the anaerobic or threshold zone, where the body primarily uses carbohydrates for energy, and the heart and lungs are working at nearly their full capacity.

At this percentage, individuals can achieve maximum performance during high-intensity activities, such as sprinting, due to the increased heart rate promoting blood flow and oxygen delivery to the muscles. Training at this intensity also improves cardiovascular fitness, increases muscle endurance, and enhances metabolic efficiency.

While lower percentages like 70-75% and 80-85% indicate moderate to vigorous exercise levels suitable for longer durations or aerobic conditioning, they do not elicit the same physiological adaptations as higher intensity efforts. The 90-95% range typically represents very brief bursts of all-out exertion that are not sustainable for the typical duration of a max effort sprint.