The average is a huge range of 60-100. 70 is usually on the lower end and implies some cardiovascular fitness. It usually won't be that low from sitting on a couch. Running 2 miles at 9 minutes / mile isn't some accomplishment either, but it does imply some sort of training for an adult. I wanted to list a real standard for health, not athletic performance.
If you want athletic performance, there are the Iron Man / RASP standards and a heart rate between 40-60. Do note that while under 60 is highly trained, 40 is more on the elite athlete side of things.
you seem way more informed than me, but if that's the case, I'm confused by your suggestion: if 70 already implies cardiovascular fitness, why do you recommend cardio, given the person already should have some cardiovascular fitness?
I don't think I misunderstood you, I was suggesting that if 70bpm is already "cardio fitness", shouldn't that be sufficient for most individuals to prevent the majority of health issues?
Ah, got it. Yes, I agree that it's sufficient to be healthy, that's why it's the only number I initially brought up. I hate when people conflate exceptional fitness with health for people who don't want to specialize on fitness.
If you want athletic performance, there are the Iron Man / RASP standards and a heart rate between 40-60. Do note that while under 60 is highly trained, 40 is more on the elite athlete side of things.