The heart rate is an indicator on how the body is functioning. The heart rate is a vital piece of information that can tell you:

1. How efficiently the cardiovascular system is working, delivering nutrients and oxygen to where they are needed.

2. If you are suffering from over training, the resting heart rate will be significantly higher than the normal.

3. If the heart rate is high prior to engaging in exercise, it may be a sign of stress.

4. It is a tool used to adequately and safely engage in a safe exercise program.

5. It helps you achieve your goals quickly by monitoring the heart rate for proper intensity of exercise.

The pulse should be counted so that the outcome always equals 60 seconds. The following are several methods to achieve the pulse count.

•Take the pulse for 10 seconds and multiply that number by 6 12 (number of beats counted) x 6 = 72 •Take the pulse for 6 seconds and multiply that number by 10 7 (number of beats counted) x 10 = 70 •Take the pulse for 30 seconds and multiply that number by 2 32 (number of beats counted) x 2 = 64

During your workout take a minute to stop and take your pulse. Once you have determined your Maximal Heart Rate and have retrieved your pulse take that figure and go to the chart that will be up in the club and check to see what zone you are working out in.

Taking your pulse for 3 consecutive mornings retrieves the resting heart rate. Then average out the three readings by adding them together and dividing by 3. This figure represents the average resting heart rate.