What is the procedure for assessing heart rate?

The procedure for assessing heart rate involves having the client sit and rest for a minimum of 5 minutes before the measurement. This approach is important because it allows the heart rate to stabilize after any recent activity or physical exertion. When the body is at rest, the heart rate reflects a more accurate baseline reading, which is essential for assessing cardiovascular fitness or monitoring changes over time.

Taking the measurement immediately after a workout would capture an elevated heart rate, which may not provide meaningful information about the client's resting or baseline heart rate. Likewise, measuring while the client is standing can lead to variations in heart rate due to changes in blood flow and muscle engagement. While using an automatic heart rate monitor can be convenient, it is still best practice to ensure the client is at rest for a proper assessment. Therefore, having the client sit, relax, and allowing them to stabilize is the most effective method for obtaining an accurate heart rate assessment.