How Hard Should I Exercise - Precor Electronic M9.4 Owner's Manual

Diagram 2
Your heart rate

How Hard Should I Exercise?

Studies show that to achieve the benefits of aerobic exercise, it is necessary to
work out hard enough raise your heart rate to a certain minimum level, called
the "training zone." Your training zone depends on your age and level of
fitness.
Refer to Diagram 2 to determine your training zone. Keep in mind that this zone
is an approximation, to be used as a guideline—individual heart rates vary
according to several physiological factors. To determine your training zone, or
target heart rate, find your age and fitness level on the diagram, and then find
the line where they intersect. For example, if you are 35 years old, your training
heart rate at the intermediate fitness level is 157 beats per minute. Remember
this number—this is the pulse rate you should try to maintain as you work out.
To determine your heart rate, take your pulse at a place that you can reach
easily and comfortably while you exercise. Typical locations for measuring
heart rate are directly over the heart on the left side of the chest, on either side
of the neck, over the temple, or on the thumb side of either wrist. Wherever you
measure your pulse, make sure that you use your index and middle fingers—
not your thumb . Your thumb has a strong pulse which can affect your heart rate
reading.
Once you locate your pulse, look at a clock with a second hand and count the
beats for six seconds. Multiply that number by 10 to determine the total number
of beats per minute. For example, if you count 14 beats over six seconds, the
total number of beats per minute is 140. Compare the total number of beats
with your training zone as identified in Diagram 2. If necessary, increase or
decrease your activity level to bring your heart rate into your training zone. You
can increase your activity level by changing speed and incline. Remember—
your heart rate is the definitive measure of how hard you are working.
Regardless of your fitness level, avoid doing too much too soon. Using too fast
of a belt speed or too high of an incline are common errors. Give yourself time
to become familiar with your treadmill and improve your fitness level. Then you
can gradually increase your speed and incline to make your workouts more
challenging.
HEART RATE TRAINING ZONES
200
195
200
190
185
190
180 180
175
175
180
171
170
166
170
166
162
162
157
160 157
153
149
150
140
136
140
133
130
130 126
123
120
110
100
90
80
20 25 30 35 40 45
YOUR AGE
170
165
160
155
153
150
148
145
144
145
139
100%
140
135
136
131
132
128
90%
123
119
85%
115
112
108
105
102
70%
50 55 60 65 70 75
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