Road Cycling - Preferred way to take resting HR?

Hi,

I've heard/read a few suggestions on how to take resting heart rate. Most people say they relax and watch their HRM. The lowest number wins. Others say they take an average for a small amount of time (3-5 minutes). What's your favorite approach, and why?

Thanks,
RobRyb

I take my RHR before getting out of bed (or anything else) in the morning by counting beats for one minute. Usually I do this 2 or 3 times, to make sure that I'm not mis-counting or something. (Sometimes if I'm really tired, my mind tends to wander away from counting.) Then, I record that number into my software -- I use Crosstrak. For me, it's the most convenient way to do it.

I've considered using my HRM which would probably give a more accurate reading, but even the mere thought of strapping on an ice-cold chest strap while lying in a nice warm bed makes my heart race. Eek! :eek:

I agree with above opinion and add that taking the reading from the wrist is more accurate than taking it form the throat. Using a heart rate monitor may be accurate if the "chest band" is put on BEFORE retiring.

Ride Hearty
Pat

I'm not sure that I'd be able to sleep with a chest strap on. I usually take mine first thing in the morning after the alarm has gone off, similar to octoberblue. I also weigh in first thing in the morning. I did that this morning and found out that it's time to go to the gym to get out of the weather and try to drop a couple of pounds.

I usually just put my chest band on the night stand and just reach over and set it on my chest to get a reading in the morning. That takes just as much energy as reaching up to your throat or your wrist.

My procedure is pretty much the same as 'blue. First thing in the morning. Except when I wake up, I have to answer nature. Then I lay back down for a minute or two, then count beats for 60 seconds.

I think taking a reading in first thing in the morning minimizes the impact of stress, fatigue, caffeine, sugar, alchohol or any other factors that tend to modify your heart rate.

I kind of do something different... I put the strap on at night, then turn the watch on (crono timer). When I wake up, I turn off the crono and check the stats of avg heart rate.

Seems to work for me, but don't know if it would work for evryone.

This may sound weird but it works. Just as I'm waking up I turn on my side. When my ear is mashed into the pillow, I can hear my pulse in my earlobe. Then I check the sweep hand of my watch and count for a minute.

Like I said, it's weird but it works.

good one!

Originally posted by clintthayer
I kind of do something different... I put the strap on at night, then turn the watch on (crono timer). When I wake up, I turn off the crono and check the stats of avg heart rate.


Wouldn't that average your HR for all night, including just after you went to bed, have an exciting dream, and therefore not really be your resting HR?

Originally posted by caloso
This may sound weird but it works. Just as I'm waking up I turn on my side. When my ear is mashed into the pillow, I can hear my pulse in my earlobe. Then I check the sweep hand of my watch and count for a minute.

Like I said, it's weird but it works.

I've done that before, too.

Usually I take my pulse at the side of my neck using both my index & middle fingers, because the pulse there appears to be stronger (easier to locate quickly & keep correct count) than at my wrist. How is it more accurate to measure pulse at the wrist? :confused:

Originally posted by caloso
This may sound weird but it works. Just as I'm waking up I turn on my side. When my ear is mashed into the pillow, I can hear my pulse in my earlobe. Then I check the sweep hand of my watch and count for a minute.

Like I said, it's weird but it works.

that's probably the best way to do it... the mere act of sitting upright in your bed will elevate your HR well above resting.

Originally posted by aerobat
Wouldn't that average your HR for all night, including just after you went to bed, have an exciting dream, and therefore not really be your resting HR?

haha... very true! good point!

I with most of the others on this one. I wake up when the alarm goes off and give myself about a minute to relax again. Then I take my pulse from my throat for 1 min and record the results in and excel spread sheet. I hate when I doze off and have to start all over again. I later use Minitab to run an I&MR chart on my morning readings. Statistics is good for somthing. Some out of control points when I started recording my resting HR.

If I used my cold heart rate monitor my resting heart rate would be about 10 bpm more. LOL

I had a lot of Ex. Phys. classes in college and they stated the best and most reliable way to get your resting heart rate is to take it when you wake up in the morning before getting out of bed. This is so you are at true rest.

Originally posted by deliriou5
that's probably the best way to do it... the mere act of sitting upright in your bed will elevate your HR well above resting.

And it has the added advantage of not waking my wife. Too often I've set off a loud beep fumbling in the dark with the HRM. When my wife is calm, I'm calm and thus the HR stays low. :)

I have a Tanita HR monitor that reads HR from my thumb. Perfect for in the morning. You can get one for $25 here, but I think Performance Bicycle may sell for cheaper.