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CONDITIONING GUIDELINES
WARNING:
or any exercise program, consult your physi-
cian. This is especially important for individu-
als over the age of 35 or individuals with pre-
existing health problems.
The pulse sensor is not a medical device.
Various factors, including the userÕs 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.
The following guidelines will help you to plan your ex-
ercise program. RememberÑthese are general guide-
lines only. For more detailed exercise information, ob-
tain 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 de-
sired 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 and aerobic exer-
cise. (This chart is also found on the console.)
To find the proper heart rate for you, first find your age
at the top of 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
lower two numbers are recommended 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
Before beginning this
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 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 the speed and incline of the treadmill until your
heart rate is near the highest number in your training
zone.
WORKOUT GUIDELINES
A well-rounded workout includes the following three
important parts:
A Warm-up
Start each workout by warming up for 5 to 10 minutes.
Begin with slow, controlled stretches, and progress to
more rhythmic stretches to increase your body temper-
ature, heart rate, and circulation in preparation for
strenuous 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.) Breathe regularly
and deeply as you exerciseÑnever hold your breath.
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 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.
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