What is your level of fitness?

Before you start a fitness plan it is important to measure your level of fitness. Then, after you have carried out your fitness plan for a week or a month, you can measure your level of fitness again. In this way you will monitor your fitness level and be able to evaluate your progress.

How to Measure CARDIOVASCULAR Fitness:

You need to measure your resting and working heart rate. To do this you measure your pulse at either your wrist (radial pulse) or neck (carotid pulse) and count the number of beats per minute. When you are resting, your heart rate will be slower than when you have exercised. The difference between the two readings gives an indication of your fitness level. When you are fit the difference between your working heart rate and resting heart rate is small.

• RADIAL PULSE

Bend the elbow with the arm at the side. The palm of the hand should be up.

The radial artery is located on the inside of the wrist near the base of the thumb.

Using the middle (long) and index (pointer) fingers, gently feel for the radial pulse.

• CAROTID PULSE

Using the middle (long) and index (pointer) fingers, gently feel the carotid artery on either side of the neck, in the space between the windpipe and muscle, beneath the lower jawbone.