What does recovery heart rate measure?

Recovery heart rate is a measure used to assess how quickly the heart rate returns to baseline after exercise. This metric specifically looks at heart rate at a fixed point following the completion of an exercise session, which is often recorded within the first few minutes post-exercise. The ability of the heart to recover quickly is an indicator of cardiovascular fitness; a faster recovery rate generally suggests better heart health and conditioning.

Heart rate during exercise focuses on how hard the heart is working while engaged in physical activity, which does not reflect recovery. Measuring heart rate immediately after exercise can provide some insights, but it is often unreliable as it is influenced by immediate post-exercise conditions. The maximum heart rate achieved during exercise gives information about exertion levels but does not provide any insight into recovery capabilities. Thus, assessing heart rate at a designated time following exercise completion is crucial for evaluating the body's recovery efficiency and overall cardiovascular fitness.