Weight Loss Workout Tips

I’m sure you’ve seen TV shows and movies where an officer or agent checks to see if someone is alive by checking their pulse on the neck.  They are checking for a pulse on the carotid artery.  This is not recommended on someone who is indeed alive, as pressure on this artery reduces oxygen to the brain, causing dizziness or an inacurate reading.

The best place to take your pulse is the wrist. Locate the artery by feeling for a pulse with the index and middle fingers. Sometimes you may need a third finger to help locate, but removed after finding the pulse.

Checking for pulse on wrist

Apply light pressure to feel the pulse.  Excessive pressure may distort results.

When measuring your pulse at full rest (5 minutes minimum) you should count the number of beats in a full minute. *

When measuring your pulse during a workout or exercise, count the number of beats in six seconds and append a zero to the end of this number.  You are multiplying by 10 as there are ten sets of 6 seconds in a minute.

Example: Number of beats in 6 seconds: 17. Adding a zero makes that 170.  You now know your HR is 170bpm.

* There are factors that may affect your resting HR.  These include digestion, mental activity, ambient temperature, biological rhythms, posture, and fitness.  To this end, the best time to take your pulse is after waking up, or at least five minutes of absolute rest in a chair or laying down — no mental working either.