Resting Heart Rate

What is Resting Heart Rate?

Resting heart rate (RHR) is measured first thing in the morning before getting out of bed, averaged over 3-5 days for accuracy. It is one of the best indicators of cardiovascular fitness and recovery status. Endurance training lowers RHR by increasing stroke volume — the heart pumps more blood per beat, so it needs fewer beats. Typical values: sedentary adults 70-80 bpm, active adults 60-70, recreational athletes 50-60, well-trained endurance athletes 40-55, elite athletes 35-45. RHR is also a sensitive marker of overtraining and illness — an elevation of 5-10 bpm above your baseline suggests accumulated fatigue or the onset of illness and is a signal to reduce training load.

How Watta Uses Resting Heart Rate

Further Reading

• Concept2 Training Resources — Official training guides and workout plans from Concept2.
• Concept2 RowErg Specifications — Technical specifications and performance monitor details.
• World Rowing — The international governing body for the sport of rowing.