What Are the Three Best Methods to Take a Resting Heart Rate?

Your resting heart rate is the number of heart beats per minute (BPM) during a period of inactivity that lasts for at least 10 minutes. This number is often used as a baseline to determine other important measurements such as your target heart rate and maximum heart rate. These numbers can help guide your exercise as well as tell you when you are in danger of overworking your heart. Your resting heart rate can also tell you a lot about the state of your health; a healthy resting heart rate is slow and steady. Speak to a physician immediately if you cannot locate your pulse, have a rapid heart rate that lasts more than a few minutes when resting, or have an irregular pulse.

  1. Heart Rate Monitor

    • A heart rate monitor can give you reliable information on your resting heart rate, as well as your heart rate while you are exercising or doing other activities. This is the most accurate method to find your resting heart rate; you do not rely on counting your heart beats like you do when count BPM's manually. Place the chest strap around your body so that it goes over your heart and put the wrist strap on your wrist. Rest for at least 10 minutes before taking the test. Sit or lie down to rest properly and try to relax as much as you can. Find your resting heart rate by turning on the monitor for a one minute time period, or whatever is recommended for resting heart rate measurement by the manufacturer.

    Manual Heart Rate: Wrist

    • Another method that is often used because of its accuracy and ease is a manual check using the radial artery in your wrist. Place the tips of your index and second fingers on the inside wrist of your other hand. Position your fingers below the base of the thumb and find the radial pulse. Press down slightly but do not apply a lot of pressure, and move your fingers around slightly to find your pulse. Use a stop watch to time 60 seconds. Begin counting beats as soon as you start the watch. Do this three times and average the results for the most accurate resting heart rate.

    Manual Heart Rate: Neck

    • The carotid artery in your neck is another good way to find your resting heart rate. Place the tips of the index and second fingers of one hand on the side of your neck near your windpipe. Press lightly but firm enough that you can feel the pulse in your neck. Count the number of beats that you feel during 60 seconds; use a stop watch for accurate time keeping. Record this number. Repeat another two times and average the three results for the most accurate measurement.

    Other Methods and Considerations

    • Consider having someone else help you keep track of time or count your number of heart beats when finding your resting heart rate manually. It can be a lot to do at one time on your own, and the results might be more accurate with another individual's help. If you are using a heart rate monitor make sure that you read the directions and understand how to use it to get an accurate result. First thing in the morning is a good time to check your resting heart rate because your body has been inactive while sleeping overnight.