Calculate Resting Heart Rate (RHR)

Your resting heart rate (RHR) is an indication of fitness level. RHR is used in the Karvonen Formula to more accurately calculate your individual aerobic heart rate range. Including this number in the calculation will change the aerobic range within which you should be working in.  Measure your heart when you awake in the morning without an alarm and without lifting your head off of the pillow.  Find your pulse by placing your fingers lightly on your neck (carotid pulse) or at your wrist (radial pulse). Count the beats for six seconds and multiply by 10. Do this for 3-5 days to get the average number. This is your resting heart rate (RHR).