A high resting heart rate could indicate which of the following?

A high resting heart rate can be an indicator of overtraining because it reflects the body's response to excessive physical stress or inadequate recovery. When an individual undergoes rigorous training without allowing sufficient time for rest and adaptation, their autonomic nervous system may become dysregulated. This can lead to an elevated resting heart rate as the body struggles to recover from increased levels of fatigue and may signal that the individual is not coping well with the training load.

In contrast, a high aerobic conditioning level typically correlates with a lower resting heart rate, as well-conditioned hearts are more efficient and have a greater stroke volume. Strong muscle performance does not directly affect resting heart rate, as muscle strength is more closely related to anaerobic conditioning rather than cardiovascular fitness. Effective stress management generally promotes a lower resting heart rate, as it helps maintain a more balanced autonomic nervous system response, fostering relaxation and recovery. Thus, the association of a high resting heart rate with overtraining is a key point in understanding an individual's training status and overall health.