Exercise Guidelines - NordicTrack VX550 User Manual

EXERCISE GUIDELINES

WARNING:
or any exercise program, consult your physician.
This is especially important for persons over age
35 or persons with pre-existing health problems.
The heart rate monitor is not a medical device.
Various factors may affect the accuracy of heart
rate readings. The heart rate monitor is intended
only as an exercise aid in determining heart rate
trends in general.
These guidelines will help you to plan your exercise pro-
gram. For detailed exercise information, obtain a reputable
book or consult your physician. Remember, proper nutri-
tion and adequate rest are essential for successful results.
EXERCISE INTENSITY
Whether your goal is to burn fat or to strengthen your car-
diovascular system, exercising at the proper intensity is
the key to achieving results. You can use your heart rate
as a guide to find the proper intensity level. The chart
below shows recommended heart rates for fat burning and
aerobic exercise.
To find the proper intensity level, find your age at the bot-
tom of the chart (ages are rounded off to the nearest ten
years). The three numbers listed above your age define
your "training zone." The lowest number is the heart rate
for fat burning, the middle number is the heart rate for
maximum fat burning, and the highest number is the heart
rate for aerobic exercise.
Before beginning this
Burning Fat—To burn fat effectively, you must exercise at
a low intensity level for a sustained period of time. During
the first few minutes of exercise, your body uses carbohy-
drate calories for energy. 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 the intensity
of your exercise until your heart rate is near the lowest
number in your training zone. For maximum fat burning,
exercise with your heart rate near the middle number in
your training zone.
Aerobic Exercise—If your goal is to strengthen your car-
diovascular system, you must perform aerobic exercise,
which is activity that requires large amounts of oxygen for
prolonged periods of time. For aerobic exercise, adjust the
intensity of your exercise until your heart rate is near the
highest number in your training zone.
WORKOUT GUIDELINES
Warming Up—Start with 5 to 10 minutes of stretching and
light exercise. A warm-up increases your body tempera-
ture, heart rate, and circulation in preparation for exercise.
Training Zone Exercise—Exercise for 20 to 30 minutes
with your heart rate in your training zone. (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 exercise; never hold
your breath.
Cooling Down—Finish with 5 to 10 minutes of stretch-
ing. Stretching increases the flexibility of your muscles and
helps 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 between
workouts. After a few months of regular exercise, you
may complete up to five workouts each week, if desired.
Remember, the key to success is to make exercise a regu-
lar and enjoyable part of your everyday life.
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