Calculate Your Target Heart Rate

Find Your Optimum Workout Level: Target Heart Rate

Working inside your target heart rate training zone is the best way to ensure that you get the best out of your workout. Staying between the upper and lower limits will prevent you either stressing your body too much or working at a level that wont give results.

Find Your Pulse Rate

Place two fingers of your left hand under your ear, and slide them round the line of your jawbone and slightly down, pressing lightly and you will find your pulse. Looking at a clock, count for 15 seconds, then multiply the number of heartbeats by 4 to get your heart rate. Measure it frequently during your workout, especially during aerobic activity.

Heart Rate Monitors

Heart rate monitors give you a continual readout, and a history so you can check your highs and lows after the workout. Most also calculate calories burned, so they are useful, but they need a chest strap which annoys some people.

The Talk Test

You should be able to carry on a conversation while exercising. This doesn't mean you shouldn't breathe hard, but if you cant speak and can't catch your breath, that's too much exertion, so slow down!