The point of measuring your resting heart rate is to evaluate your recovery status and the development of your aerobic fitness. To monitor your recovery, possible overload state and fitness progress, you should always measure your resting heart rate in the same or very similar circumstances. If your heart rate remains high after exercise, it may mean your exercise intensity was too high, or it could mean a case of deconditioning. A high resting heart rate can be a sign of a low fitness level or a symptom of high-stress levels.