How do you calculate your exercise heart rate?

• A. Use a Stopwatch
• B. Measure Blood Pressure
• C. Count Your Pulse
• D. Track Your Steps

Answer: (C)

Counting your pulse is the direct way to determine exercise heart rate. Find a pulse site such as the radial artery on your wrist or the carotid on your neck, using the index and middle fingers (not the thumb). Gently press until you feel a steady beat. Use a stopwatch to time a short interval—typically 15 seconds—and multiply the count by four to get beats per minute (or count for 10 seconds and multiply by six). For example, 20 beats in 15 seconds equals 80 BPM. This gives your actual heart rate in real time, which you can use to gauge effort during activity. Blood pressure, tracking steps, or just using a stopwatch alone won’t provide your current heart rate.