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The following general guidelines will help you to plan
your exercise program. Remember that proper nutri-
tion and adequate rest are essential for successful
results.
EXERCISE INTENSITY
Whether your goal is to burn fat or strengthen your
cardiovascular system, the key to achieving the
desired results is to exercise with the proper intensity.
The proper intensity level can be found by using your
heart rate as a guide. The chart below shows recom-
mended heart rates for fat burning, maximum fat burn-
ing, and cardiovascular (aerobic) exercise.
To find the proper heart rate for you, first find your age
near the top of the chart (ages are rounded off to the
nearest ten years). Next, find the three numbers below
your age. The three numbers are your Òtraining zone.Ó
The lowest number is the recommended heart rate for
fat burning; the middle number is the recommended
heart rate for maximum fat burning; the highest
number is the recommended heart rate for aerobic
exercise.
Fat Burning
To burn fat effectively, you must exercise at a relative-
ly low intensity level for a sustained period of time.
During the first few minutes of exercise, your body
uses easily accessible carbohydrate calories for ener-
gy. Only after the first few minutes of exercise does
your body begin to use stored fat calories for energy. If
your goal is to burn fat, adjust your pace until your
heart rate is near the lowest number in your training
zone as you exercise.
For maximum fat burning, adjust your pace until your
heart rate is near the middle number in your training
zone as you exercise.
Aerobic Exercise
If your goal is to strengthen your cardiovascular
system, your exercise must be Òaerobic.Ó Aerobic
exercise is activity that requires large amounts of
oxygen for prolonged periods of time. This increases
the demand on the heart to pump blood to the
muscles, and on the lungs to oxygenate the blood.
For aerobic exercise, adjust your pace until your heart
rate is near the highest number in your training zone
as you exercise.
HOW TO MEASURE YOUR HEART RATE
To measure your heart rate, first exercise for at least
four minutes. Then, stop exercising and place two
fingers on your
wrist as shown.
Take a six-
second heart-
beat count, and
multiply the
result by 10 to
find your heart
rate. For
example, if your
six-second
heartbeat count is 14, your heart rate is 140 beats per
minute. (A six-second count is used because your
heart rate will drop rapidly when you stop exercising.)
Adjust the intensity of your exercise until your heart
rate is at the desired level.
WORKOUT GUIDELINES
Each workout should include three important parts: a
warm-up, training zone exercise, and a cool-down.
A Warm-up
Start each workout with 5 to 10 minutes of stretching
and light exercise. A proper warm-up increases your
body temperature, heart rate, and circulation in prepa-
ration for strenuous exercise.
CONDITIONING GUIDELINES
WARNING: Before beginning this or any exercise
program, consult your physician. This is espe-
cially important for individuals over the age of 35
or individuals with pre-existing health problems.