How does physical activity affect resting heart rate?

Regular physical activity is known to improve cardiovascular fitness, which in turn can lead to a decrease in resting heart rate. When a person engages in consistent aerobic exercise, their heart becomes more efficient at pumping blood. This efficiency means that the heart can pump the same amount of blood with fewer beats per minute.

As the heart strengthens through regular exercise, it enhances its stroke volume—the amount of blood pumped out with each beat. With a higher stroke volume, the heart does not need to beat as frequently to supply the body's oxygen and nutrient demands at rest. Consequently, over time, physically active individuals often experience a lower resting heart rate, which is indicative of a healthy cardiovascular system.

While other options may suggest various impacts of physical activity on resting heart rate, the significant evidence supports that consistent exercise leads to a reduced heart rate when at rest, reflecting improved heart health and overall fitness.