The number of times that the heart beats in one minute is called heart rate. A normal resting heart rate is between 60-100 beats. If you are very fit you heart rate can be as low as 40 beats per minute because a strong heart does not need to pump as many times to get its job done.
The maximum heart rate is the maximum number of beats per minute that is safe. To figure out your approximate max heart rate subtract your age from 220 (220 – your age). This is a useful number to know because when you exercise it is good to get your target heart rate up to between 50%-85% of your maximum heart rate.
To check your heart rate you must first find your pulse. One of the easiest places to feel your pulse is shown in the figure above. Take two fingers and find the corner of your jaw bone. Then move your fingers down about two inches. You should be able to feel a pulse sensation. If you count how many pulses occur in 60 seconds that is your heart rate. A quicker way to find it is just by counting the pulses for 15 seconds and then multiplying that by 4. It is important to know your heart rate, because if it is above 100 bpm on a consistent basis you should see a doctor.
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