Resting Heart Rate

SummerSkier

Just curious. Does anyone's RHR go up in the winter months vs summer? I just got my fitbit Alta HR last summer and my RHR was pretty steadily moving down as my fitness increased. I haven't changed my aerobic workouts but have noticed since it's been cold that it has climbed almost 5-6 points. I know it is calculated mostly when I sleep - could it be the electric blanket being on or something? Just curious. I know it will go up slightly if I am sick or injured but it's been consistently higher now for almost a month. I don't see any other changes as far as when I am running etc... It's not higher avg etc.

JessM822

I don’t think it’s the cold doing it unless your place is freezing inside. My guess would be stress. Maybe you don’t like the winter and it doesn’t exactly make you happy? Mine stays pretty even across the board at 41 bpm. I live in Minnesota, so we get a little of everything here.

AnnPT77

I don't have a Fitbit, but periodically check mine by wesring my HRM overnight. I haven't noticed a seasonally pattern, but it has varied up or down a little during various periods for no clear reason.

Warmer weather increases exercise HR at any given intensity, so the electric blanket idea is plausible. Winter here is lower humidity, so slightly lower average hydration might play a role. In cold climates, some of us decrease NEAT activity a bit in winter, which shouldn't be enough to significantly affect fitness, but might augment other factors.

Maybe RHR fluctuates, like weight,

JaydedMiss

mines went down but iv also been alot less active...like alot. Its weird lol. Normally 45 steady im currently averaging 40-42 O_O Youd think less activity would raise it lol

NorthCascades

AnnPT77 wrote: »

Maybe RHR fluctuates, like weight,

Mine does, with no obvious reason half the time.

sarahthes

Mine appears to peak during ovulation and drop during menstruation. However as I'm consistently increasing my cardio fitness the overall trend is lower.