Your heart rate is one of the most important indicators of training intensity. By the pulse, you can determine whether you get the desired effect by performing the load. Let's look at 3 main ones.
Using a stopwatch
For this method, you only need a stopwatch. It is necessary to find the pulse on the neck on the left or right on the carotid artery, or on the wrist. Apply three fingers to this place and count the number of strokes in 10 seconds. Multiply the resulting figure by 6 and get an approximate value of your heart rate.
The advantages of this method are undoubtedly that it only needs a stopwatch. The downside is that you can't measure your heart rate in this way during an intense run. To find out your pulse while running fast, you will have to stop and immediately detect your pulse before it has time to go down.
In addition, this method has significant errors.
Using a wrist sensor
Science does not stand still, and recently sensors that take heart rate readings directly from the wrist have become widespread. You need to have such a gadget, usually a watch or a fitness bracelet, put it on your hand and watch your pulse anywhere at any time.
The main advantage of this method is convenience. You don't need anything except the gadget itself. The main disadvantage is that the accuracy of such sensors leaves much to be desired. Especially in high heart rate zones. At a low heart rate, usually up to 150 beats, a good watch or bracelet can show reasonably accurate data. But as the heart rate increases, the error also increases.
Using a chest strap
This is the most accurate way to measure your heart rate during exercise. To do this, you need a special chest strap that is worn on the chest in the solar plexus area. And also the device that will synchronize with it. It can be a special watch or even a regular phone. The main thing is that this chest strap has Bluetooth Smart functionality. And also the bluetooth function should be in your watch or phone. Then they can be synchronized without any problems.
This method is the most accurate. Even at high values, good sensors show reliable values. The disadvantages include the sensor itself. Since it can get in the way, it can chafe and sometimes topple over while running. Therefore, it is important to choose a sensor that is convenient for you.
Here are three ways to calculate your running heart rate. The main thing is not to get hung up on the pulse readings. Heart rate is just one of the load parameters. Not the only one. One must always look at the pulse, pace, condition, weather conditions in the aggregate.
