Regular aerobic exercise typically has what effect on resting heart rate?

Regular aerobic exercise is known to enhance cardiovascular fitness and efficiency. One significant effect of this training is a decrease in resting heart rate.

When an individual engages in regular aerobic activities, such as running, cycling, or swimming, the heart becomes more efficient at pumping blood. This efficiency means that the heart can deliver the same amount of blood with fewer beats per minute. As a result, individuals who regularly participate in aerobic exercise tend to have a lower resting heart rate compared to those who are sedentary.

Additionally, aerobic exercise promotes better oxygen delivery to the tissues and improves the autonomic regulation of heart rate. Over time, this leads to adaptations in the cardiovascular system, including a stronger heart muscle and improved vascular tone, contributing to a lower resting heart rate. For many athletes or individuals with high levels of aerobic fitness, resting heart rates can drop significantly, often to numbers between 40-60 beats per minute, reflecting their enhanced cardiovascular efficiency.