How does light exercise, like walking, affect your heart rate compared to when you are at rest?

1 answer

Light exercise, such as walking, increases your heart rate compared to when you are at rest. When you engage in light physical activity, your body requires more oxygen to fuel your muscles, leading to an increased demand for blood circulation. As a result, your heart pumps more blood per minute to meet this demand.

At rest, your heart rate is typically lower, as the body is in a state of minimal exertion and requires less oxygen and nutrient delivery. The average resting heart rate for adults typically ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute, while during light exercise like walking, the heart rate can increase to a moderate level, often 100 to 130 beats per minute or more, depending on the individual's fitness level, age, and specific intensity of the activity.

This increase in heart rate during light exercise has several benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, enhanced circulation, and better overall fitness, as the heart becomes more efficient over time with regular activity.