Note: I thought the Biology stack exchange would suit this question better than the Fitness stack exchange. Please let me know in the comments if this is not suitable here.
I am interested in tracking my resting heart rate as it decreases with aerobic training.
At the moment I take it immediately after I have woken up before I get up out of bed.
What is the correct medical procedure(s) for taking a resting heart rate?
I'm aware a standardized procedure is important but what about:
- Body position: Should I be sitting or lying down?
- Heart rate: Should I take the lowest value or an average HR?
- What duration should I take it for?
- How relaxed should I be?
In an academic situation how would one reliably take resting a heart rate?
Please include answers that can be referenced to scientific or medical literature.