How is the recovery heart calculated?

Recovery heart rate (RHR) is calculated by subtracting your resting heart rate (HR) from your maximum heart rate (MaxHR).

RHR = MaxHR - HR

To find your resting heart rate, take your pulse for 60 seconds first thing in the morning before you get out of bed. To find your maximum heart rate, subtract your age from 220.

For example, if your resting heart rate is 60 beats per minute (bpm) and your maximum heart rate is 160 bpm, your recovery heart rate would be 100 bpm.

A higher RHR indicates a more fit cardiovascular system. This is because a higher RHR means that your heart rate decreases more quickly after exercise, which means that your heart is able to pump blood more efficiently.

The recovery heart rate can also be used to monitor your progress during exercise. As you get fitter, your RHR will typically increase. This means that your heart is becoming more efficient at pumping blood, and you are able to recover from exercise more quickly.