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15
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
at 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 “training zone.”
The lower two numbers are recommended heart rates
for fat burning; the highest number is the recom-
mended 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
stored
fat calories
for 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
o
n 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.
HOW TO MEASURE YOUR HEART RATE
To measure your heart
rate, stop exercising
and place two fingers
on your wrist as
shown. Take a six-sec
-
ond heartbeat count,
and then multiply the
result by ten to find
your heart rate. (A six-second count is used because
your heart rate will begin to slow when you stop exer-
cising.)
WORKOUT GUIDELINES
Each workout should include three important parts:
A Warm-up—Warming up prepares the body for exer-
cise by increasing circulation, delivering more oxygen
to the muscles, and raising the body temperature.
Begin each workout with 5 to 10 minutes of stretching
and light exercise to warm up.
Training Zone Exercise—After warming up, increase
the intensity of your exercise until your heart rate is in
your training zone for 20 to 60 minutes. (During the
first few weeks of your exercise program, do not keep
your heart rate in your training zone for longer than 20
minutes.) Breathe regularly and deeply as you exer
-
cise—never hold your breath.
A Cool-down—Finish each workout with 5 to 10 min-
utes of stretching to cool down. This will increase the
flexibility of your muscles and will help to prevent post-
exercise problems.
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, you may com-
plete 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.