Resting Heart Rate

[AuntieK]

So when I'm logging my resting heart rate on BJ, which of the following would I use:
A) The lowest number I see (which would be a 44),
B) The number I see most often (a 50), or
C) The average (which would be hard to figure since my monitor doesn't do averages.) Also, I don't know that I would consider an average BPM accurate because every time I yawn or roll over, my BPM number bumps up to 80+, thus bringing up the average number.
Opinions, please.
Thanks!

[chickwhorips]

i always use the hr that i get when i wear my monitor to bed and wake up and look at it write it down and fall back asleep. don't know if i'm doing that one right though.

[Geonz]

I think resting would be the lowest one - but as long as *you* know what it means, that's what it means.

Mine is 46 here at the typewriter - but that happens with the AC on on warm days. (It would probably go up if I fell asleep 'cause that would be more exciting :-))

[stacie]

Your ambient heart rate is the number you are getting sitting at your computer or relaxing during the day. It's a great indicator of your well being if that number is low or close to your resting heart rate. Most people aren't comfortable wearing a monitor to bed. you can get your resting number by documenting your lowest number first thing in the morning before getting out of bed and before the alarm clock goes off. Look for the same number several mornings in a row. Overtraining, illness, alcohol and stress can effect your number. Once you get a consistent number you can use this as your resting heart rate. Your goal should be to lower it.

[Bluetree]

Does coffee/caffeine have an effect?

[chickwhorips]

blue - i notice if i have a bunch of caffeine then my hr is a lot higher.

[stacie]

I'm not clear on your question. Does coffee effect your resting heart rate? Your resting heart rate should be checked before you get out of bed. I recommned laying the hr strap on you. Even fidgeting with it can elevate your resting heart rate. A quick jaunt to the bathroom will elevate it. coffee, absolutely. Probably mostly because you'll burn yourself trying to drink it lying in bed.
Yes, your ambient heart rate may be effected by coffee. If you are a heavy caffeine user, you may notice less of a change than someone who is not. Try writing down your heart rate during the day. Notice how many factors effect it. Your ambient heart rate is a great way to identify your stress level. Compare a normal day and a stressful day.

[tulip]

In my racing days, we checked our resting heartrate upon waking in the morning, but before getting out of bed. Hard to remember until you get into the habit.

[chickwhorips]

coffee, absolutely. Probably mostly because you'll burn yourself trying to drink it lying in bed.

thats enough to raise you out of bed without touching anything. lol

[Fredwina]

I think 72 is average, but I would wait for more "expert" conformation.
I average around 60.

[RoadRaven]

Fredwina, There is no average resting heart rate. It depends on your fitness, age and gentics... as well as if you have had stimulants (like caffeine)...

Your lowest HR is your resting HR... mine sits around 70 when I walk, high 40s when seated, around 40-42 when lying down and occasionally it gets down to 39 - 39 is my resting HR... which is low for a 41 year old woman - according to "averages" - but perfectly normal for me.

[Melstar]

Also, I don't know that I would consider an average BPM accurate because every time I yawn or roll over, my BPM number bumps up to 80+, thus bringing up the average number.

Hi

An average heart rate (beats per minute) would figure around 70-80 bpm for young females and 60-80 bpm for young males. Lance armstrong probably would have a BPM of around 40. Human heart rate increases as you age.

The reason why your heart rate goes up when you yawn, is because of the respiratory pump effect. Google it if you wanna know what its about, but its something everyone experiences... so everything is in order.

Try taking your Heart rate when you're resting watching TV for example.
Hopefully that helps you sort out which number to look out for?