How to Take a Good Pulse

Measuring your pulse, also known as heart rate, lets you know how many times your heart beats per minute. Your pulse indicates how well your heart is working and is useful when trying to reach target heart rates during exercise. A healthy pulse is rhythmic and strong. According to WebMD, healthy adults have a resting heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Well-trained athletes may have hearts rates below 60 and still be healthy. You can accurately measure your pulse by feeling the arteries in your wrist or neck.

Things You'll Need

• Clock or watch

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Instructions

• 1

  Sit quietly for at least 10 minutes without any distractions. This will allow you to get an accurate resting heart rate. Stop exercising but do not rest if you are measuring your pulse during a workout.

• 2

  Place your index and your middle finger side-by-side and use your fingertips to touch the inside of your wrist. Your fingers should touch the artery, which can be felt underneath the skin. If you prefer to use your neck, place the same fingers on either side of your windpipe just below the jaw.

• 3

  Press firmly enough so you can feel your pulse and count the number of beats for 30 seconds. Double the number of beats to get your heart rate.