How do I check my heart rate?

You can check your heart rate by placing the index and middle finger around the palm side of the wrist(about one inch from the top of the wrist, on the thumb side).some people use the carotid artery in the neck, Nasm does not recommend this location for measuring pulse rate. Pressure on this artery reduces blood flow to the brain, which can cause dizziness or an inaccurate measurement.

 

You can check your heart rate in a number of ways. This includes wearing a heart rate monitor, placing your hand over your heart and checking your heart rate or checking one of the pulse points like the carotid pulse in the neck, the radial pulse in the wrist or the pedal pulse near the ankle. Measure your pulse for 15 seconds and multiply that number by 4, and you will have an accurate measure of your heart rate. 

You can find your heart rate or pulse by placing your second and third finger over your carotid artery located underneath your jaw, on the side of your neck. You will then count each beat for one minute (or for 15 seconds and multiply it by four). Be sure that your fingers are resting gently on the neck and are not pressing down. Another location to check your heart rate is over your radial artery at your wrist. With your palm facing up, you can find your pulse by placing your second and third finger in the space located on the thumb side of your wrist, just above the base of your thumb.

There are also various electronic devices that will measure your heart rate. Many forms of exercise equipment like stationary bicycles and treadmills allow you to grasp the handholds and they will report your heart rate to you. You can also obtain a heart rate monitor that you wear under your clothing that then reports your heart rate to you on a watch device worn at your wrist.

(This answer provided for NATA by the King College Athletic Training Education Program.)

Here is a good do-it-yourself method for checking your heart rate: Put two fingers on your wrist below the thumb. Move them around until you locate the pulse in the artery supplying the hand. When you can feel it, look at a clock or watch and count the number of beats in a 15-second period. Multiply by four and you have your heart rate. You can also check your heart rate by putting two fingers on the artery in your neck (the carotid artery). But press gently, because pressure on that artery can trigger a reflex that makes the heart slow down.

If you don't feel comfortable doing this, you can buy an inexpensive heart rate monitor at almost any pharmacy or sporting goods store.