Heart Rate

Measuring Your Heart Rate Resting Heart Rate Checking Your Pulse Your pulse is the rate at which your heart beats.  Your pulse is usually called your heart rate, which is the number of times your heart beats each minute (bpm). Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, a weak pulse, or a hard blood vessel may be caused by heart disease or another problem. Find your pulse by pressing your pointer and middle finger on the side of your neck (carotid artery), beside your Adam's apple in the hollow area. Look at coach for a demonstration. When you feel your pulse, count the number of beats in 30 seconds. Multiply this number by 2 to calculate your beats a minute.

Measuring Your Heart Rate Resting Heart Rate You can check your pulse the first thing in the morning, just after you wake up but before you get out of bed. This is the best time to assess your resting heart rate You can also check your heart rate before exercise to assess your current resting heart rate. Record your resting heart rate Record the level your resting heart rate is at using the chart

Measuring Your Heart Rate Light Activity Strenuous Activity As you start to do light exercise, you will notice your heart rate will start to slowly rise. Record your “Light Activity” heart rate As you work harder your heart will work harder too. This leads to an increase in heart rate Record your “Strenuous Activity ” heart rate Target Heart Rate A heart rate that is attained during aerobic exercise and represents the minimum level of exertion at which cardiovascular fitness can increase for an individual in a given age group. Using the chart: Did you reach your target heart rate

Measuring Your Heart Rate Cool Down Your Sheets As you cool down, your heart rate will slowly fall. After a few minutes please record your “cool down” heart rate Make sure your Name / Grade are on your sheet, and your turn them in to the appropriate coach