Using the first three fingers of on hand, locate your pulse at either the radial artery (located in the thumb side of wrist when palm is up) or the carotid artery ( on the side of the neck, next to the throat). It is generally recommended to use the radial pulse because manipulation of the carotid artery can cause the heart rate to change. Use a 10 second count to calculate Target Heat Rate. Immediately after exercise, find the desired artery. Begin with the count of one for 10 seconds. Then multiply by six to get the heart rate for one minute. Use the Karvonen Method (described below) to determine if our heart rate is in an appropriate range