resting hear rate

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by ouzo
well since I have started training this week, I decided that this morning will be a good time to check my resting h/r. I was thinking it would be mid 60's or so as my resting HR when I was Argus fit was low to mid 50's. Well guess what, it's mid 50's with a dip every no and then into the low 50's. man I was impressed.

I am correct in my understaning that resting HR is a measure of fitness to a small degree ?

Actually, RHR is a measure of fitness to a large degree. Low 60's and 50's are not uncommon in athletes (even ones that aren't pro), and it's a sign of being in great physical shape. Pro cyclists, in my understanding, have some of the lowest RHR's in the world.

I saw mine go down to 34 once, but I'm still not convinced that the HRM didn't miss a signal. Mid ~40's is more common for me these days.

Basically, the stronger your heart, the more it can pump in one stroke, the less it has to work to keep you going, so i feel it is a very good indicator of general fitness.