Basal Heart Rate

Basal Heart Rate is your resting heart rate, measured when you're awake, relaxed, and have not recently exercised.  This simple calculation is for adults and is only an approximation.

Notes:

How to Check Your Heart Rate -

Right after you stop exercising, take your pulse: Place the tips of your first two fingers lightly over one of the blood vessels on your neck, just to the left or right of your Adam's apple. Or try the pulse spot inside your wrist just below the base of your thumb.

Count your pulse for 10 seconds and multiply the number by 6.

How to Use This Information -

The number you should specifically target depends on your fitness level. Always consult your physician in making decisions about your health and exercise plans, especially the use of this general information on heart rates. It is a notional guideline.  Your doctor has best knowledge of your fitness level.

If you haven't exercised in a while, you will probably be advised to aim for the low end of your maximum exercise heart rate, 50% to 65% of your maximum. If you exercise regularly, you will probably be advised to target a higher heart rate, typically in the middle of your range, 60% to 75% of your maximum exercise heart rate. Very active people can pump it up to 70% to 85%, on the high end of the range.

Additional Resources:

Check out the Heart Heath Calculator and the Metabolic Health Calculator for more Health and Fitness Equations.