Understanding HRV as a Training Tool

HRV, or heart rate variability, measures the beat-to-beat changes in the heart, reflecting the balance between the sympathetic fight-or-flight system and the parasympathetic rest and recovery system. It serves as a proxy for stress, recovery, and adaptation, providing insights into an individual's physiological state. Long-term exercise and training can impact HRV, with higher levels indicating a primed rest and recovery response. HRV fluctuations can reveal how various stressors, including exercise, lifestyle factors, and emotional stress, influence an individual's readiness for training and overall well-being.