How To Check Your Heart Rate

Knowing how to check your heart rate is an important aspect of getting the most from your exercise routine. Depending on your age group and health status, you will want to sporadically check your heart rate during a workout to ensure it is in the target range. Too low of a heart rate means you are not getting the most from your workout and too high of a heart rate could be unhealthy. According to the Cleveland Clinic, adults age 18 and over should have a normal resting heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute.

To check your heart rate, you will need:

• Watch or clock
  

1. Press the tips of your index, second and third finger lightly but firmly against a pulse point, such as your lower neck on either side of the windpipe. An alternative location to check your heart rate is on the base of your wrist, palm side up. You can ask a doctor or medical professional if you are unsure what your target heart rate should be or if you have any health conditions to determine your range, especially if you suffer from heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure.

2. Count how many beats of your pulse you feel for 10 seconds using a watch or clock. You can choose to do this for longer, if you prefer. Counting for 10 seconds may be easier, especially during an active work out.

3. Multiply the number of beats you felt by six to get your heart rate per minute. You can then compare your heart rate with the target range you are aiming for. If a person felt 15 beats during those 10 seconds, their heart rate would be 90 (15 x 6).