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14
CONDITIONING GUIDELINES
The following guidelines will help you to plan your ex-
ercise program. For more detailed exercise informa-
tion, obtain a reputable book or consult your physician.
EXERCISE INTENSITY
Whether your goal is to burn fat or to 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 recommended
heart rates for fat burning and aerobic exercise.
To find the proper heart rate for you, first find your age
on the left side of the chart (ages are rounded off to
the nearest ten years). Next, find the three numbers to
the right of your age. The three numbers are your
“training zone.” The lower two numbers are recom-
mended heart rates for fat burning; the higher number
is the recommended heart rate for aerobic exercise.
Fat Burning
To burn fat effectively, you must exercise at a relatively
low intensity level for a sustained period of time. During
the first few minutes of exercise, your body uses easily
accessible
carbohydrate calories
for energy. Only after
the first few minutes does your body begin to use
s
tored
f
at calories
f
or energy. If your goal is to burn fat,
adjust the speed and incline of the treadmill until your
heart rate is near one of the lower two numbers in your
training zone.
Aerobic Exercise
If your goal is to strengthen your cardiovascular sys-
tem, your exercise must be “aerobic.” 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 the speed and incline of the treadmill until your
heart rate is near the highest number in your training
zone.
WORKOUT GUIDELINES
Each workout should include the following three parts:
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 exercise.
Training Zone Exercise
After warming up, increase the intensity of your exer-
cise until your heart rate is in your training zone for 20
to 60 minutes. (During the first few weeks of your exer-
cise program, do not keep your heart rate in your train-
ing zone for longer than 20 minutes.)
A Cool-Down
Finish each workout with 5 to 10 minutes of stretching
to cool down. This will increase the flexibility of your
muscles and will help to prevent post-exercise prob-
lems.
EXERCISE FREQUENCY
To maintain or improve your condition, complete three
workouts each week, with at least one day of rest be-
tween workouts. After a few months of regular exer-
cise, you may complete up to five workouts each week
if desired. The key to success is to make exercise a
regular and enjoyable part of your everyday life.
WARNING: Before beginning
this or any exercise program, consult your
physician. This is especially important for in-
dividuals over the age of 35 or individuals
w
ith pre-existing health problems.
The pulse sensor is not a medical device.
Various factors, including the user's move-
ment, may affect the accuracy of heart rate
readings. The pulse sensor is intended only
as an exercise aid in determining heart rate
trends in general.