Free Tool

Joe Friel Training Zone Calculator

Calculate training zones using Joe Friel's LTHR-based 7-zone system used by elite triathletes and cyclists.

About Joe Friel Zones

Joe Friel's zone system, outlined in his Training Bible series, uses Lactate Threshold Heart Rate (LTHR) as the anchor point. The 7-zone system provides more granularity around threshold (zones 5a, 5b, 5c) and is widely used in triathlon and cycling coaching.

Auto-Calculate from Your Data

Upload Strava, Garmin, or Intervals.icu exports to estimate your zones

Strava vs Garmin vs TrainingPeaks: Zone Differences

Different platforms calculate training zones differently. Here's what each expects:

Strava
Zone System 5-zone (% Max HR)
Algorithm % Max HR
Customizable No

Uses simple % of max HR. Zones are fixed percentages. Cannot customize.

Garmin
Zone System 5-zone (customizable)
Algorithm % Max HR or % HRR
Customizable Yes

Supports both %Max HR and %HRR (Heart Rate Reserve). Fully customizable zones.

TrainingPeaks
Zone System 5 or 7 zone
Algorithm % LTHR (Joe Friel)
Customizable Yes

Uses LTHR-based zones. Supports pace, HR, and power. Highly customizable.

Polar
Zone System 5-zone
Algorithm % Max HR or % HRR
Customizable Yes

Uses either method. Includes sport profiles with different zone settings.