Jogging with Fitbit BPM reduction

[Fitbit50]

I’m on Week 3 and completed my first week 3 run yesterday. I was very pleased I managed it after spending 2 months on week 1 & 2. I’ve noticed my BPM on my Fitbit coming right down from averaging 63 BPM to now 58 BPM, but my Fitbit score has dropped from Very Good to just Good. I’m worrying that perhaps my BPM shouldn’t be this low. Any ideas?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

I wouldn't pay too much attention to your Fitbit score............if your resting HR is dropping, you are doing great.

Enjoy your journey.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

With regard to Fitbits - try and ignore the BPM - they are not very accurate. I assume you're talking about the RESTING heart rate?

[Fitbit50 in reply to John_W]

Yes it is resting HR

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Fitbit50]

I'm 51, running for nearly 6 years and have a resting HR of 45. The fitter you get, the lower your resting HR. Ultra-runners, marathoners etc, elites, can have resting HRs in the 30-40 range. A low resting HR is GOOD - it's a sign of fitness. It means your heart (a muscle) has grown and can pump more blood with 1 beat. So to pump the same amount of blood requires less beats.

Carry on, relax and enjoy.