Heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute (bpm). Resting Heart Rate (RHR): This is your heart rate when completely at rest. Average RHR is around 72 bpm, but highly fit individuals (like endurance athletes) can have RHRs as low as 40 bpm. A lower RHR generally indicates a more efficient cardiovascular system. Heart Rate During Exercise: Your heart rate increases with exercise to deliver oxygen and glucose to working muscles. The increase is proportional to the intensity of the exercise. Maximal heart rates are observed during exhaustive exercise. Recovery: After exercise, your heart rate drops quickly and then more slowly returns to its pre-exercise level. This recovery is faster in fitter individuals. Practical Guidance: Monitor your resting heart rate to gauge your cardiovascular fitness over time. A decreasing RHR may indicate improved fitness. Understand that your heart rate will naturally rise during activity. Higher intensity exercise leads to a higher heart rate.