You’re sitting on the couch, maybe scrolling through your phone or just zoning out after a long day, when you notice your watch buzz. You look down. 62 beats per minute.
Is 62 a good resting heart rate?
The short answer is a resounding yes. Honestly, it’s better than just "good." For most adults, a resting heart rate (RHR) of 62 is sitting in that sweet spot where your heart isn't working too hard, but it's also not sluggish. It’s efficient. It’s calm.
But there’s a lot more to the story than just a single number on a digital screen.
Why 62 Is Actually a Great Sign
The American Heart Association generally tells us that a normal resting heart rate for adults falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute (BPM). If you’re at 62, you are right at the lower, healthier end of that spectrum.
Think of your heart like an engine. If an engine has to rev at high RPMs just to keep the car idling, it’s going to wear out faster. A lower resting heart rate usually suggests a stronger heart muscle and better cardiovascular fitness. It means your heart can pump a sufficient amount of blood with fewer strikes.
It’s efficient.
If you look at elite athletes—people like marathon runners or professional cyclists—their resting heart rates often dip into the 40s or even the 30s. While you might not be training for the Tour de France, having a 62 BPM suggests your heart is in pretty solid shape. You've likely got a decent stroke volume. That's the amount of blood ejected from the left ventricle with each contraction.
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The Nuance of the Number
Context is everything.
Are you 25 or 75? Are you a gallon-of-coffee-a-day person or a herbal tea enthusiast?
Age plays a massive role in what we consider "normal." As we get older, our heart's maximum capacity tends to decrease, but the resting rate often stays somewhat stable, though it can be influenced by medications like beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers. If you're 62 BPM while on medication, that's one thing. If you're 62 BPM naturally, that's another.
Then there’s the "white coat" effect. Some people get a reading of 85 at the doctor’s office because they’re nervous, but when they’re at home in their pajamas, they’re a cool 62. The home reading is usually the more "honest" reflection of your baseline health.
When 62 Might Feel Different
Sometimes people see 62 and worry it's too close to 60, which is the technical cutoff for bradycardia (a slow heart rate).
But here is the thing: 60 is an arbitrary line in the sand.
If you feel great, have plenty of energy, and aren't getting dizzy when you stand up, 62 is fantastic. However, if you're hitting 62 but feeling like you're walking through molasses all day, that’s when you need to dig deeper. It’s rarely the number itself that matters; it’s the symptoms accompanying it.
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I've seen people who are incredibly fit with a RHR of 58 who feel like superheroes. I've also seen people at 65 who feel sluggish because their blood pressure is bottoming out.
Factors That Influence Your Daily Beats
Your heart rate isn't a static thing. It's dynamic. It reacts to everything you do, eat, and feel.
- Stress and Anxiety: If you’ve had a rough day at work, your "resting" rate might jump to 75.
- Dehydration: When you're low on fluids, your blood volume drops. Your heart has to beat faster to move what's left.
- Temperature: If it’s sweltering outside, your heart works harder to cool you down.
- Sleep: This is huge. Poor sleep quality or sleep apnea can send your RHR on a rollercoaster.
- Digestion: Ever notice your heart racing after a massive Thanksgiving meal? That's your body redirecting resources to your gut.
If you’re consistently at 62, it means your body is likely in a state of relative homeostasis. You aren't overly stressed, and your autonomic nervous system—the part that controls "fight or flight" versus "rest and digest"—is leaning toward the "rest" side. That is exactly where you want to be.
Does Technology Lie to Us?
We have to talk about the Apple Watch, the Oura Ring, and the Garmin.
These devices are incredible, but they aren't perfect medical grade EKGs. They use photoplethysmography (PPG). Basically, they flash green LED lights against your skin to detect blood flow changes.
If the strap is loose, or if you have certain skin tones or tattoos, the reading can be off. Don't panic over a single 62 BPM reading if you feel a bit "off" but the watch says you're fine. Use the "two-finger" method on your wrist or neck for 60 seconds if you really want to verify.
Most of the time, the tech is close enough to give you a trend. Trends are what actually matter. Is your RHR 62 every day for a month? Great. Did it suddenly jump from 62 to 78 for three days straight? You might be getting sick or overtrained.
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Improving Your Numbers (If You Even Need To)
If you're at 62, you don't necessarily "need" to lower it. But if you want to optimize your cardiovascular health further, there are clear paths.
Interval training is one of the most effective ways to strengthen the heart. Pushing your heart rate high and then letting it recover teaches your heart to return to its baseline faster. It's called heart rate recovery (HRR), and it's a massive indicator of longevity.
Magnesium and potassium also play roles in the electrical signaling of the heart. Many people are slightly deficient in magnesium, which can lead to palpitations or a slightly higher resting rate.
And then there's the mental side. Meditation isn't just "woo-woo" stuff anymore. Science shows it physically tones the vagus nerve. A toned vagus nerve acts like a brake for your heart, keeping that resting rate nice and low.
The Bottom Line on 62 BPM
Is 62 a good resting heart rate? Honestly, it's pretty much ideal for the average adult.
It suggests a level of fitness that protects you against many cardiovascular risks. It shows your heart isn't under constant duress. It means you have a "reserve" of energy for when you actually need to exert yourself.
If you're seeing 62 on your tracker, take a breath and relax. You're doing well.
Actionable Steps for Your Heart Health
- Check your baseline properly: Measure your heart rate first thing in the morning before you get out of bed or have caffeine. This is your "true" resting rate.
- Track the trends: Don't obsess over daily fluctuations. Look at your weekly average. If it stays between 60 and 65, you're in the goldilocks zone.
- Hydrate consistently: Even mild dehydration can skew your BPM upwards by 5-10 beats.
- Watch for "Symptomatic" changes: If your 62 BPM is accompanied by lightheadedness, chest pain, or extreme fatigue, schedule a visit with a cardiologist to rule out underlying electrical issues.
- Incorporate Zone 2 cardio: 150 minutes a week of light jogging or brisk walking where you can still hold a conversation is the "secret sauce" for maintaining a healthy low RHR.