Tip of the Week
The most accurate way to get your pulse is with a heart rate monitor, but you can take it manually as well. If you are running or doing aerobics, count your pulse for 10 seconds after you stop, and multiply by 6. Use your first two fingers (not your thumb) at the radial pulse, just inside your wrist on the thumb side, or the carotid pulse, in your neck on either side of your adam`s apple (but never on both sides at once). Practice finding and counting it at rest. It is easier to find with some people than with others. If you are working out on cardio machines like a bike or stair stepper, use the carotid pulse, but you can take it while you continue to work out and count for 15 or even 30 seconds. It`s hard to get while you`re running on a treadmill, but you may be able to take it while you`re walking, at either the wrist or neck, while you watch the machine`s display for the time.
