What happens to resting heart rate as a result of regular aerobic training?

Regular aerobic training leads to a decrease in resting heart rate. This physiological change occurs because consistent aerobic exercise strengthens the heart muscle, improving its efficiency. As the heart adapts to regular training, it becomes capable of pumping a greater volume of blood with each beat, which means it does not need to beat as frequently to maintain an adequate circulation level at rest.

Additionally, aerobic training enhances the ability of the cardiovascular system to transport oxygen to the muscles and aids in the removal of carbon dioxide and other waste products. Over time, this adaptation typically results in a lower resting heart rate. Athletes, for example, often exhibit resting heart rates significantly lower than those of non-athletes, reflecting their conditioned cardiovascular systems.

This decrease in resting heart rate can also be associated with improvements in autonomic nervous system balance, particularly an increase in parasympathetic tone. The parasympathetic system promotes relaxation and lower heart rates, reinforcing the benefits of regular aerobic exercise on cardiovascular health.