How to Calculate Recovery Heart Rate
What is Recovery Heart Rate?
Heart rate recovery (HRR) is how quickly the heart rate drops after intense exercise. A drop of ≥ 12 bpm in the first minute after stopping is considered normal; < 12 bpm may indicate cardiovascular risk or poor fitness.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Measure HR immediately after peak exercise
- 2Measure again 1 minute later (or 2 minutes)
- 3HRR = Peak HR − Recovery HR
- 4Larger drop = better cardiovascular fitness and autonomic function
Worked Examples
Input
Peak HR 180 bpm · HR after 1 minute = 140
Result
HRR = 40 bpm — Excellent
Typical elite athlete: >60 bpm drop
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