CONDITIONING GUIDELINES
WARNING: Before beginning 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.
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20 |
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25 |
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30 |
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35 |
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40 |
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45 |
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50 |
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55 |
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60 |
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65 |
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70 |
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75 |
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80 |
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Fat Burning
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 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 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
Begin each workout with 5 to 10 minutes of stretching and light exercise to warm up.
Training Zone ExerciseÑAfter 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- ciseÑnever hold your breath.
A
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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