Target Heart Rate and Cardio Monitoring for Safe Workouts

Maintaining a healthy resting heart rate is a key indicator of cardiovascular health, especially during high-intensity HIIT or IVF. Learn how to lower your heart rate while running and evaluate the accuracy of calories burned on heart rate monitors.

Why Do Athletes Have a Lower Heart Rate?

Published Jul,08 2011 | By James Young

Increased cardiovascular fitness causes real physical changes in the structure of the heart. The muscles in the heart wall thicken, and the heart pumps more blood with each beat. That increased efficiency means an athlete's resting heart rate falls to a level that could indicate trouble in a nonathlete.

James Young began writing in 1969 as a military journalist combat correspondent in Vietnam. Young's articles have been published in "Tai Chi Magazine," "Seattle Post-Intelligencer," Sonar 4 ezine, "Stars & Stripes" and "Fine Woodworking." He has worked as a foundryman, woodturner, electronics technician, herb farmer and woodcarver. Young graduated from North Seattle Community College with an associate degree in applied science and electronic technology.