Question

interpreting the data
alex incorporates a consistent aerobic exercise routine, including running and cycling. over several weeks, regular exercise leads to improvements in cardiovascular health. after a few months of consistent exercise, alex’s resting heart rate decreases from 85 bpm to 70 bpm. what does this decrease in resting heart mean?
○ decreased workout rigor
○ decreased aerobic capacity
○ increased training exhaustion
○ increased cardiovascular fitness

Explanation:

• "Decreased workout rigor" is incorrect because consistent exercise (as Alex did) would not lead to less rigorous workouts causing a heart rate decrease.
• "Decreased aerobic capacity" is wrong; aerobic exercise improves aerobic capacity, and a lower resting heart rate is a sign of better, not worse, aerobic capacity.
• "Increased training exhaustion" is incorrect as a decrease in resting heart rate is a positive adaptation, not a sign of exhaustion.
• "Increased cardiovascular fitness" is correct. Regular aerobic exercise strengthens the heart, so it can pump more blood with fewer beats at rest, leading to a lower resting heart rate.

Answer:

D. increased cardiovascular fitness