That's Fit

I was running on a new treadmill at my local gym yesterday, and I had really exerted myself and my breathing started getting a little out of control (I'm asthmatic, so I'm careful not to overdo). I slowed to a walk, and as I did so, I put my hands on the heart rate monitors, and ... according to the display, my heart rate was at only 112, but I know from monitoring it at other times, at a similar intensity, it has shown 180+. Huh?

I've noticed before that my heart rate fluctuates considerably depending on the day, but never looked into it. Yesterday, though, it made me realize that I really have no idea what heart rate I reach at my peak, and what I maintain.

If you're a young bird, venturing away from the nest for the first time and braving the unknown world of fitness, there are likely hundreds of questions that need answered. Some may be quite complex and involved, while others may be more on the basic side. Well, remember when you were in grade school (clearly I've ditched the bird analogy) and you had what you considered to be a stupid question? I know I remember that situation. Feeling like the question was too simple, and fearing that others around you might think less of you for asking it, what always happened? That's right; the question was never asked.

Well, just as there were probably ten other students in your class who also had the same question as you (and were also afraid to sound stupid by asking it), you probably aren't the only person who has questions about what some may consider to be simple fitness topics.

To that end, here is the answer to the question of how and where to find your pulse.

Although it is possible to find your pulse at a number of different spots on the body, one of the easiest places to get a clear and accurate reading is from the neck. The pulse in the carotid artery -- located next to the windpipe -- is very strong and pronounced. By placing the tips of two fingers (index and ring) on the same hand and holding it against this spot for sixty seconds, you will be able to find out how many times your heart is beating per minute. Or, if you'd prefer, you can hold it there for ten seconds and then multiply the number of beats by six.

So if today is becoming a world of both computers and health problems, why not combine the two? Yanko Design has a new concept for a computer mouse that reads the user's heartbeat and other vitals while they work. It tracks the information on the computer itself and can, if it needs to, then send that information to family, caregivers, or even to the hospital at regular intervals for monitoring.

Although I'm sure no doctor would recommend bypassing regular vital checks by a professional for this little mouse gadget, it would be a nice way to stay on top of things and possibly even keep tabs on your stress levels while working. I think my productivity might take a hit, though, since I'd probably get all distracted checking the reading all the time and running little experiments!