An average person can maintain their pulse at around 130 beats/minute to cope with activity for short periods of time. Very fit people such as elite marathon runners may have resting heart rates as low as 40-50 beats/minute because training has made their cardiovascular system extremely efficient. During a race they can run for long periods of time without their pulse rising much over 110 beats/minute. Being overweight, or doing very little exercise, means that the body is less able to cope with the demands of physical activity.