Want to hit your fitness goals? Monitoring your heart rate shows you how hard you’re working, encouraging you to push just enough without overdoing it. Tracking your effort lets you see progress, spot when you’re coasting, or avoid pushing too hard. Play smart, stay safe, and keep your heart rate in check!

Manual Method

All you need is a watch with a second hand or a digital stopwatch to check your pulse manually.

You can measure your pulse where an artery is close to the skin, like your wrist (radial artery) or neck (carotid artery)—the easiest and most practical spots. Always use your index and middle fingers, not your thumb, which has its own pulse that can skew readings.

For the best accuracy, count your pulse for a full minute.
Tip: Short on time? Count for 10 seconds and multiply by 6, 15 seconds and multiply by 4, or 30 seconds and double it for a quick estimate.

Carotid Pulse (Neck): Place your first two fingers in the hollow between your windpipe and the large neck muscle. Press lightly until you feel a pulse. Be gentle—pressing too hard can slow your pulse, and if you’re over 65, it might make you light-headed or risk a fall.

Radial Pulse (Wrist): Place your index and middle fingers on the opposite wrist, in line with your thumb. Press gently to feel the pulse, counting beats for one minute.

Tip: Wrap your hand under your wrist, keeping fingers aligned with the thumb, to find the pulse more easily..

Heart Rate Monitor

A heart rate monitor gives a precise reading, especially during exercise when movement can make manual checks tricky. It’s perfect for tracking changes over short periods, like interval training.

Many monitors save your readings for later review or download, helping you chart your progress. I’ve used Polar, but there are plenty of great options out there—find one that fits your flow!

I’ve personally used Polar, but there are many great heart rate monitors out there.

Connect with Being the Leading Lady

Discover my article on exercise intensity to find the Target Heart Rate that’ll get you the results you’re after!

And if you’re ready to take your fitness to the next level? Join my fun and empowering fitness classes at  SPBTV—Your Holistic Living Network.. Sign up for my newsletter and tune into my podcast, Sharise Uncut for more holistic health tips to fuel your flow.