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CONDITIONING GUIDELINES
WARNING:
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 heart rate monitor is not a medical de-
vice. Various factors may affect the accuracy
of heart rate readings. The heart rate monitor
is intended only as an exercise aid in deter-
mining heart rate trends in general.
The following guidelines will help you to plan your ex-
ercise program. For more detailed information about
exercise, obtain a book or consult your physician.
EXERCISE INTENSITY
Whether your goal is to burn fat or strengthen your car-
diovascular 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. For effective exercise, your heart rate
should be maintained at a level between 65% and 85%
of your maximum heart rate as you exercise. This is
known as your training zone. You can find your training
zone in the table below. Training zones are listed ac-
cording to age and physical condition.
Training Zone (Beats/Min.)
Unconditioned
Age
20
138-167
25
136-166
30
135-164
35
134-162
40
132-161
45
131-159
50
129-156
55
127-155
60
126-153
65
125-151
70
123-150
75
122-147
80
120-146
Before beginning
Conditioned
133-162
132-160
130-158
129-156
127-155
125-153
124-150
122-149
121-147
119-145
118-144
117-142
115-140
Burning Fat
To burn fat, you must exercise at a 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 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 low end of your training zone as you exercise.
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 intensity of your exercise until your heart
rate is near the middle of your training zone.
WORKOUT GUIDELINES
Each workout should include the following three impor-
tant 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.
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