How would you differentiate your heart rates before and after exercising?

Before exercising, your heart rate is typically at rest and reflects your baseline fitness level and overall health. During exercise, your heart rate increases to supply more oxygen to your muscles, often reaching 50-85% of your maximum heart rate depending on the intensity. After exercising, your heart rate gradually decreases as your body recovers, returning toward your resting rate. The rate of recovery can indicate your cardiovascular fitness, with quicker returns to resting levels generally reflecting better fitness.