How does your resting heart rate affect your fitness levels?

A healthy resting rate should beat at anything from 65-70 beats per minute (bpm) depending on your age

The fitter you are the lower your heart rate becomes and the less work your heart has to do to pump blood around your body, the less work it has to do the more efficient it becomes. We all know a constantly fast beating heart isn't something you want to walk around with every day of your life because it is just not good for you.

So you can increase the efficiency of your heart by simply exercising and improving your resting heart rate.

What is a good resting heart beat to have?

Well that really depends on your age, other things like whether you are taking medication, suffer from anxiety and your gender. What follows next is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please visit your doctor to get an accurate idea of how healthy your heart is based on the number of times it beats per minute.

As a rough guide for you to work towards

For Men aged 36-45

A poor resting heart rate is 83+

An excellent healthy rate is 57-62 - at this stage you are physically fit

Aim for your resting heart rate to be between 55-66 bpm if you are a man aged 36-45

For Women aged 36-45

A poor resting heart rate is 85+

An excellent healthy rate is 60-64

Aim for your resting heart rate to be between 62-66 bpm if you are a woman aged 36-45

How do I take my resting heart beat?

You can use your own fingers. The best place to take your heart beat is either on your wrist using the forefinger and middle finger only. Or the easiest place to find your pulse is on your neck just under your chin and towards your ear. Gently place them on your neck - you don't have to push down - just place them there lightly.

Make sure you are completely rested (which is why first thing in the morning is best), place your fingers on your pulse and then have a clock or stop watch nearby which counts the 60 seconds for you.

If you are looking at taking on exercise your resting heart beat - along with your weight and body measurements - are all great ways to get an idea of the progress you are making and it is quick and easy to take in the morning.

It can also act as a great incentive if after exercising regularly for a couple of weeks you find that your heart rate has improved.

Modern day living puts too much strain and stress on our heart in general and one of the best ways I know to keep our heart healthy is through a balanced nutritious diet and exercise - but you probably knew that already. The question is when will you get started with yours?