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
Watta uses resting heart rate in the Karvonen formula to calculate heart rate reserve and personalised training zones. Accurate RHR input improves the precision of the Cardiac Load component of the Effort Score.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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