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Performance glossary

What is Heart rate variability (HRV)?

Also known as: HRV.
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Quick answer

Heart rate variability (HRV): definition

Heart rate variability is the variation in time between heartbeats; it reflects the balance of your autonomic nervous system and is widely used to track recovery and stress.

Heart rate variability (HRV), explained

Higher HRV relative to your own baseline generally indicates a more flexible, recovered nervous system. HRV varies widely between individuals and is influenced by age, fitness, sleep, alcohol, illness and stress.

Why it matters

HRV trends can help guide training intensity and recovery — compare against yourself, not others.

Learn more

Performance · GuideResilience: Building a Body and Mind That Handle Stress WellResilience is your capacity to adapt to stress. Learn allostatic load, HRV, hormesis, evidence-based breathing practices, nature exposure and social connection.Performance · GuideRecovery: How to Bounce Back Faster From Training, Work and StressRecovery is where adaptation happens. Learn the recovery fundamentals, what the evidence says about massage, cold, heat and compression, and how to track readiness.

Related terms

FAQ

Heart rate variability (HRV) FAQs

What is Heart rate variability (HRV)?

Heart rate variability is the variation in time between heartbeats; it reflects the balance of your autonomic nervous system and is widely used to track recovery and stress.

Why does Heart rate variability (HRV) matter?

HRV trends can help guide training intensity and recovery — compare against yourself, not others.

Answers

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