Measuring Heart Rate

In this activity, you will see how long it takes your heart rate to return to its resting state
following some exercise. Heart rate is the simplest, most commonly used indicator of
the benefit gained from exercise.

Proper cardiovascular exercise should raise your heartbeat to a level that produces a
training effect. This training effect begins when your pulse rate in beats per minute rises
above 170 minus your age. A higher pulse rate that represents the safe upper limit is
the difference between 200 and your age. Exercise within these limits.

Instructions

1. Find your pulse rate (either at the wrist or on your neck)

2. Count your pulse rate for 10 seconds and multiply by six to calculate your
resting heart rate and record.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to ensure an accurate measurement. Record an

average of the two: _____ bpm.

4. Exercise vigorously for two minutes by either running on the spot or doing
jumping jacks.

5. After the two minutes of exercise, immediately measure your pulse rate and
record it in Table 1. Continue to measure your pulse rate at one-minute
intervals until your heart rate returns to its resting state. Record these values
in Table 1.

Table 1

Time After Exercise Heart Rate (bpm)

(minutes)

After exercise

1 min

2 min

3 min
*time intervals are post-exercise

***Add rows as needed

Analysis Questions

1. What are the ‘normal values’ or ranges for resting heart rate and blood pressure?
(2 K)

2. Describe how heart rate is measured? (3 K)

3. Use the data collected to create a line graph. Record heart rate on the vertical
axis and time on the horizontal axis. Insert a copy of the graph in the space
below. (14 C)

4. Describe the shape of the line graph (is it a steady decline? Is there a sharp
decrease?). (2 I)

5. What do you think your results tell you about your level of fitness? Compare your
graph to the graph below. (3 I)
6. You participate in an exercise program that includes cardiovascular training for a
duration of 6 months. What changes would you expect to see in your resting
heart rate and heart rate recovery time? Explain your answer. (5 A)