similar device. If the client does not have access to a heart rate
monitor, exercise heart rate is measured at the radial site (the
wrist). See above for instructions to give the client.Due to the constant movement during exercise, it is difficult to get
an accurate measurement. In addition, if
someone stops moving completely their
heart rate may drop significantly. There-
fore, better results for manual palpation of
heart rate during exercise is during ex-
ercises with less overall body movement
(cycling) or having the client march on the
spot.Resting Heart Rate
Resting Heart Rate is a measure of the
heart rate at rest. It is best taken upon
waking, while lying in bed. Normal Heart
Rate is also a measure of the heart rate
at rest. It is taken while sitting or standing
still.Equipment Needed: Heart rate monitor, or
by manually palpating the radial artery. NOTE: It is advised that
personal trainers do not manually palpate the carotid artery, as this
is invasive for many clients. However, it may be necessary to take a
carotid pulse to measure heart rate if the radial pulse is not palpable
(e.g. obese clients).Protocol for Manual Heart Rate Monitoring^7 :
• Determine the location of the radial pulse
• Place tips of index and middle fingers over the artery. It
should be noted that the thumb is never used to take a radial
pulse due to artifact.
• Lightly apply pressure and count the number of beats for 15
seconds and multiply by 4, or for greater accuracy take heart
rate for 30 seconds and multiply by 2, to determine the total
number of beats per minute.
• If you start the stopwatch simultaneously with the first pulse
beat, count the first beat as ‘zero’.
• If the stopwatch is running, count the first beat as ‘one’. Recovery Heart Rate
Recovery Heart Rate reflects how quickly the heart returns to a
normal resting rate, following exercise. Higher levels of cardio-
respiratory fitness are indicated by faster recovery heart rates.
The importance of taking recovery heart rate is to measure fitness
level and to make sure the client has safely returned to below 100
bpm before leaving the assessment or moving onto the next test.Equipment Needed: Heart rate monitor, or by manually palpating
the radial artery.Radial Pulse MeasurementChapter 8 Fitness Assessment Protocols and Practical Skills