Hey everyone! Today I am not talking about speed or personal effort. I am talking about your engine: your heart. Ever wonder what your heart's doing when you're just chillin'? Well, it's still working, but how fast it beats is called your Resting Heart Rate (RHR). And a low RHR? That's usually a good thing!
What's RHR anyway?
Imagine your heart is a pump, pushing blood all over your body. When you're resting, like when you first wake up in the morning, your heart beats a certain number of times per minute. That's your RHR.
So, why is low RHR a good thing?
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Super Strong Heart:
- A low RHR often means your heart is like a super-efficient engine. It doesn't need to work super hard to get the job done.
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Fit as a Fiddle:
- People who exercise a lot, especially endurance athletes like runners or swimmers, usually have lower RHRs. All that exercise makes their hearts stronger.
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Healthy Heart:
- A strong heart is a happy heart! Having a lower RHR can mean you're less likely to have heart problems.
What's a "normal" RHR?
Most adults have an RHR between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). But athletes? They might have RHRs as low as 40 bpm! Their hearts are taking it super easy.
Things to keep in mind:
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Everyone's different:
- Your RHR can be different from your friend's, and that's okay. It depends on things like age and how much you exercise.
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Medicine can change things:
- Some medicines can make your heart beat faster or slower.
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Talk to a doctor:
- If you're worried about your RHR, it's always a good idea to talk to a doctor. They can help you figure out what's normal for you.
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Too much training:
- Sometimes, if athletes train way too much, their RHR can drop suddenly. This is a sign that they need to rest.
The bottom line
A low RHR is usually a sign of a healthy, strong heart. So, keep moving, stay active, and give your heart a break!
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Gaspar
ACTOS, Performance Innovation
*Dr. Gaspar A. Rosario is a seasoned healthcare expert with a Doctorate in Health Sciences and over a decade of clinical experience. His certifications in Weight Management, Performance Enhancement, and Exercise Therapy from the ISSA, coupled with his diverse medical background, position him as a trusted authority in the field.