To begin to determine your target heart rate range, you must first understand how to take your pulse rate accurately. You may take your pulse at the base of the neck by pressing lightly on the carotid artery located to the left or right of your Adam's apple. However, too much pressure placed on the carotid artery may stimulate a reflex mechanism that causes the heart to slow down. A more accurate place to count the pulse is at the wrist (radial pulse).

You will need your resting heart rate to calculate your target heart rate range. The ideal time to find your true resting heart rate is in the morning, before you get out of bed. Count your pulse for one whole minute to find your resting heart rate.