What does resting heart rate (RHR) reflect?

Resting heart rate (RHR) reflects the number of heartbeats while an individual is in a resting state, typically measured when a person is at rest or has just woken up in the morning. It provides valuable insight into cardiovascular fitness and overall health. A lower resting heart rate often indicates better cardiovascular fitness and a more efficient heart, as fit individuals typically require fewer beats per minute to maintain a steady supply of blood to the body at rest.

Understanding RHR can help fitness professionals assess their clients' conditioning levels and tailor exercise programs accordingly. In contrast, the other options relate to heart rates measured during physical activity or at maximum exertion, which do not reflect the resting state of the individual.