In addition to monitoring your heart rate as you exercise, be
certain of how quickly your heart rate recovers. If your heart rate
is over 120 beats per minute five minutes after exercising, or is
higher than normal the morning after exercising, your exertion
may be too strenuous for your current level of fitness. Reducing
the intensity of your workout is recommended.
The age-adjusted target heart rates indicated in the chart in
Appen
dix A reflect averages. A variety of factors (including
medication, emotional state, temperature, and other conditions)
can affect the exercise heart rate appropriate for you.
Warning: Consult your doctor to establish the exercise intensity
(target heart rate zone) appropriate for your age and condition
before beginning any exercise program.
Warm-Up: Slow and Deliberate Exercise
You are not warmed up until you begin to perspire lightly and
breathe deeper. Warming up prepares your heart and other
muscles for more intense exercise and helps you avoid premature
exhaustion. Start slowly, exploring different workloads until you
can comfortably sustain your exercise level. A good suggestion is
a minimum of three minutes. Perspiration on your brow is a good
indicator of a thorough warm-up. The older you are, the longer
your warm-up period should be.
PS900 Owner’s Guide
33
Beginning Your F.I.T. Program
Beginning
Your
Exercise
Program