What resting heart rate should I aim for — what's the target?

The lowest-risk resting heart rate range for men over 40 based on cardiovascular mortality data is 50–65 bpm, this range is achievable through consistent aerobic training without indicating pathological bradycardia, and represents the zone where vagal tone is high, cardiac efficiency is good, and the relationship between resting heart rate and cardiovascular mortality is at its favorable plateau (Habib, Heart, 2006).

Setting a resting heart rate target: if your resting heart rate is currently above 80 bpm, target 70 bpm in 6 months as an intermediate goal through consistent aerobic training. If you are already in the 65–75 bpm range, target 60–65 bpm with continued training. The 50–65 bpm range is the territory of consistent aerobic exercisers, not elite athletes (whose resting heart rates can fall to 35–45 bpm from sustained parasympathetic dominance), but men who have made aerobic fitness a consistent priority.

Honesty Scale: Solid (1) for the 50–65 bpm range as the lowest-risk resting heart rate zone based on epidemiological data.

What to do: Set your resting heart rate target as part of your annual cardiovascular health goals alongside blood pressure, ApoB, and waist circumference. A declining resting heart rate trend over 6–12 months is the most direct evidence your aerobic training program is producing the cardiovascular adaptation you need.

For the full picture, read The Resting Heart Rate Deep Dive