One of the most important components of physical fitness is aerobic endurance, which relies on the body's ability to take in oxygen, then transport and use it efficiently to metabolize fats and carbohydrates for energy. By participating in regular exercise and physical activities, you can develop a slower pulse rate that leads to a higher metabolism. The body utilizes more fuel more efficiently when you're physically fit, burning additional calories even at rest.
Effects
As you build aerobic endurance, your body becomes more effective at pumping blood and oxygen. It takes less effort for the lungs and muscles to work so your pulse rate does not increase to the point where you are breathing heavily after exercise. You will experience a lower pulse rate during exercise and at rest when you work out regularly and reach peak training fitness. A lower resting heart rate allows the body to metabolize fat more efficiently as well.
Warning
Calories provide energy to the body for physical exertion and metabolism. Metabolism refers to the amount of energy your body requires when at a resting pulse rate. The autonomic systems in the body require fuel for functions such as breathing, digestion, blood circulation and cell formation. When your body does not receive sufficient fuel, or calories, metabolism slows down and begins to store fat for energy requirements. Your heart rate increases as your metabolism slows to move necessary nutrients through your body to sustain its operating systems.
Baseline
A healthy resting pulse rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Athletes with extensive training schedules may produce heart rates closer to 40 beats per minutes. The lower your heart rate, the more efficiently your body metabolizes oxygen and calories. The more physically fit you are, the lower your heartbeat will measure. You can monitor your own pulse by placing two fingers from your right hand over your left wrist near your thumb side. With a timer in sight, count the number of beats in a 10-seond period and multiply by six. Keep in mind that other factors can influence your heart rate at any given time and can include your emotional state, the temperature in the room and whether you are sitting up or lying down.
Abnormalities
A condition that affects the pulse rate and metabolism is called Graves' disease or hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is caused by an abnormal thyroid gland that produces too much of the hormones that regulate metabolism. People with Graves' disease experience rapid heart rate and increased metabolisms. Metabolism is affected through increased sensitivity to heat and cold, unstable body temperature, increased appetite, restlessness and fatigue. The racing heart rate often produces palpitations. Hyperthyroidism must be treated with medications and does not respond to exercise or diet to control the affects on the heart and resting body functions.
