4th Lesson 3 Finding Your Pulse Rate

Everyone has a pulse. As the heart pumps blood through our bodies, the pumping makes a rhythm you can measure. This rhythm is your pulse.

2 The pulse rate is a measure of the number of times the heart beats each minute. To find your pulse rate, follow these steps. First, place your index and middle fingers on the thumb side of your wrist, slightly below the base of your thumb joint. Then press gently until you feel the beat of your pulse.

3 After you find your pulse, use a watch to count the number of beats that occurs in 15 seconds. Then multiply this number by 4 to find the number of beats that occurs in one minute. Next, write the number on a piece of paper. The result is your pulse rate.

4 If you were not exercising just before taking your pulse, then this is your resting pulse rate. To find your exercising pulse rate, run in place for 60 seconds or do 10 jumping jacks. After that, check your pulse rate and record it on a piece of paper. Most likely, your resting and exercising rates will differ. What do you think causes this difference?

5 There are many reasons to find and check your pulse rate. Your pulse rate can tell a doctor how well your heart is working. It can also give important information about your overall health and fitness.

Explain why it’s important to know how to find and check your pulse rate.