how long should it take for BP and heart rate to return to normal after exercise?

Hi Redstone5650,

Looks like you get two answers from me today:)

If your heart rate decreases 20 beats per minute (bpm) or more within 1 minute post exercise you are doing well. By 5 minutes post workout your heart rate should be down to 120 bpm or less.

Here's an example:

Your heart rate during the activity reaches 170 bpm. Within in 1 minute post exercise your heart rate should be down to 150 bpm or less. At 5 minutes post workout you should be 120 bpm or less.

If you are not at these levels, decrease the intensity of your workout and then gradually increase as your fitness level improves.

You can determine if you're fitness level is improving by monitoring how quickly you return to resting heart rate after a workout. To calculate, take your pulse immediately after you finish walking and write down the number. One minute later take your pulse and write it down. Subtract the second number from the first. The greater the number, the better your fitness level.

All the best,

Lisa Nelson, RD, LN

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