Final answer:
The Karvonen formula personalizes exercise programs by using an individual's resting heart rate to calculate their target heart rate for exercise. It accounts for personal cardiovascular fitness levels by incorporating the resting heart rate, which differs from person to person.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Karvonen formula utilizes a person's resting heart rate to calculate their target heart rate during exercise. This makes the formula more personalized as it accounts for individual differences in heart rate at rest. To use the Karvonen formula, you need to know your maximum heart rate (which can be estimated as 220 minus your age) and your resting heart rate. You then calculate your heart rate reserve by subtracting your resting heart rate from your maximum heart rate. Finally, you calculate the target heart rate by taking a percentage of your heart rate reserve and adding your resting heart rate back in. For example, if an individual is 30 years old with a resting heart rate of 70 beats per minute (bpm), the maximum heart rate would be approximately 190 bpm (220 - 30 = 190). If they want to work out at 60% intensity, their target heart rate would be calculated as follows: (190 - 70) * 0.60 + 70 = 142 bpm. This method is particularly useful for designing an exercise program that is tailored to one's personal cardiovascular fitness level, as it takes into account the individual's resting heart rate, which varies greatly among individuals.