Scientists have just busted the ultimate exercise myth

According to the study, the average heart rate for athletes was 68 beats per minute, while the average heart rate for non-athletes was 76 beats per minute. Over a 24-hour period, this equates to about 97,920 beats for athletes compared to 109,440 for non-athletes – about 10 percent less.

“This is an amazing saving of about 11,500 beats per day,” says Professor La Gersh, head of the Heart Laboratory supported by the St Vincent Medical Research Institute (SVI) and the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (VCCRI).

“Although athletes’ hearts work harder during exercise, their lower resting rates compensate for this,” he adds.

Exercise efficiency and heart health

The study published in JACC: ProgressShe found that the fittest individuals had heart rates as low as 40 beats per minute, compared to the typical range of 70-80 beats per minute. This means that despite a higher peak during training, athletes still end up with a lower total heart rate throughout the day than those who are inactive.

These findings challenge the long-held belief, once repeated by US President Donald Trump, that the human body is like a battery with a limited energy supply and that exercise only depletes it.

“The fitter you are, the more metabolically efficient your body becomes,” explains Professor La Gerche. “Even if you train hard for an hour a day, your heart beats more slowly for the other 23 hours. The net effect is that fewer beats are used overall.”

A slower resting heart rate is not only a sign of good physical condition, but also a strong indicator of long-term health. Increasing physical activity, when done safely, can enhance heart performance and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

“Exercise is strongly associated with improved mental health, longer lifespan, and lower rates of heart disease,” says Professor La Gerche.

Moderate exercise yields the greatest benefits

Although extreme endurance events such as the Tour de France can cause temporary increases in daily heart rate, Professor Lagersh points out that the health benefits of moderate, consistent exercise far outweigh any risks.

“The biggest benefit to your health is going from no fitness to moderate fitness,” he says. “Just a few hours of purposeful exercise each week can transform your heart’s efficiency and help make every beat count. It may even extend your life by years.”

About the heart laboratory

Professor La Gerche leads the Heart, Exercise and Research Trials (HEART) laboratory, which investigates how exercise affects heart health, in partnership with SVI and VCCRI. By studying elite athletes, the team discovered results that reach beyond athletic performance, offering valuable insights for people with serious heart conditions.