Heart rate can be taken in a number of different ways, you can take your pulse from both your wrist and your neck which will give you your heart rate. This most efficient way to do it yourself is by finding it in your wrist, ensuring you use your fingers (normally index and third finger) as your thumb has a pulse of its own. You should position your fingers just below the base of your thumb and go from there to find your pulse. Count how many beats you feel in the first fifteen seconds and then multiply this number by four. This will give you your heart rate in beats per minute.
Advantages
It takes no equipment whatsoever so therefore it is free to do. It is also a quick and simple way to find your resting heart rate.
Disadvantages
It is not very accurate as it is easy to miss a beat and your heart rate may not be the same in the first fifteen seconds as it would be in the last forty five seconds so it is very easy for this test to become inaccurate.
Advantages
It takes no equipment whatsoever so therefore it is free to do. It is also a quick and simple way to find your resting heart rate.
Disadvantages
It is not very accurate as it is easy to miss a beat and your heart rate may not be the same in the first fifteen seconds as it would be in the last forty five seconds so it is very easy for this test to become inaccurate.