Normal resting heart rate graphs (men & women)

Our resting heart rate can be a good indication of how fit and healthy we are. However there are many other factors that can influence our resting heart rate (mentioned further down).

For simplicity sake a normal heart rate range lies between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm).
Good TIP: Did you know that you can burn a lot more calories by training in your target heart rate zone? See our target heart rate chart to discover your target heart rate zone!

Normal Resting Heart Rate for Men (bpm)
AGE	18-25	26-35	36-45	46-55	56-65	65+
Athlete	49-55	49-54	50-56	50-57	51-56	50-55
Very Fit	56-61	55-61	57-62	58-63	57-61	56-61
Good Fitness	62-65	62-65	63-66	64-67	62-67	62-65
Above Average	66-69	66-70	67-70	68-71	68-71	66-69
Average	70-73	71-74	71-75	72-76	72-75	70-73
Unfit	74-81	75-81	76-82	77-83	76-81	74-79
Poor Health	82+	82+	83+	84+	82+	80+

Note: These normal resting heart charts are to be used as a guide only. Always consult a doctor before beginning an exercise regime.
Other than the age column the figures shown represent BPM or heart beats per minute.

Normal Resting Heart Rate for Women (bpm)
AGE	18-25	26-35	36-45	46-55	56-65	65+
Athlete	54-60	54-59	54-59	54-60	54-59	54-59
Very Fit	61-65	60-64	60-64	61-65	60-64	60-64
Good Fitness	66-69	65-68	65-69	66-69	65-68	65-68
Above average	70-73	69-72	70-73	70-73	69-73	69-72
Average	74-78	73-76	74-78	74-77	74-77	73-76
Unfit	79-84	77-82	79-84	78-83	78-83	77-84
Poor Health	85+	83+	85+	84+	84+	84+
For more advice women can visit normal heart rate for women.

Generally speaking a low resting heart rate signifies good heart function and also a higher cardiovascular fitness.

When should I measure my resting heart rate?

The best time is 1st thing when you wake up. This is because your body hasn't been effected by movement, anxiety, food, medication etc.
Remember to measure your rate for a full minute, and another good idea is to measure your heart rate over a few successive mornings and take the average.

How to measure your heart rate at home:
You do this by measuring your pulse rate. Place the index and middle fingers on the back of your wrist below the thumb. Once you can feel your pulse clearly count the number of pulsations in 1 minute. Repeat the test to confirm.

Note: There are many factors that can effect our resting heart rate:

• Fitness level
• Air temperature and body temperature
• Stress and anxiety
• Body size (tall people generally have lower heart rates then shorter people)
• Medication (especially cold and flu medication)
• Age
• Gender (men usually have lower resting heart rates)
• Genetics

What is my target heart rate?

Your target heart rate is an aerobic zone (50% - 85% max heart rate) where you get maximum benefits from exercising. By pacing yourself and keeping within this range you can burn more energy (calories) more efficiently while your heart and lungs operate at optimal performance. Discover your best heart rate zone with our target heart rate chart.

Note: As you become fitter and your blood is circulated throughout your body more efficiently your resting heart rate will lower. So every now and then you will need to recalculate your normal resting heart rate to determine your target heart rate.

Do you know your recommended daily calorie intake? Visit our daily calorie intake calculator.

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