EXERCISE GUIDELINES
Fat Burning
•Before beginning this or any exercise pro- gram, consult your physician. This is espe- cially important for individuals over the age of 35 or individuals with
•The pulse sensor is not a medical device. Various factors may affect the accuracy of heart rate readings. The pulse sensor is intended only as an exercise aid in deter- mining heart rate trends in general.
The following guidelineswill help you to plan your exercise program. Remember that proper nutrition and adequate rest are essential for successful results.
EXERCISE INTENSITY
Whether your goal is to burn fat or to strengthenyour
cardiovascular 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. The chart below shows recom- mended heart rates for fat burning, maximum fat bum- ing, and cardiovascular (aerobic) exercise.
165 155 145 140 130 125 115
145 138 130 125 118 110 103
125 220 115 210 105 95 90
20 30 40 50 60 70 80
To find the proper heart rate for you, first find your age at the bottom of the chart (ages are rounded off to the nearest ten years). Next, find the three numbers above your age; the three numbers are your "training zone."
The lowest number is the recommended heart rate for
fat burning;the middle number is the recommended heart rate for maximum fat burning; and the highest number is the heart rate for aerobic exercise.
To burn fat effectively, you must exercise at a relative- ly low intensity level for a sustained period of time. During the first few minutes of exercise, your body uses easily accessible carbohydrate calones for ener- gy. 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 num- ber or the middle number in 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 highest number in your training zone.
WORKOUT GUIDELINES
Each workout should include the following three parts:
A
Training zone exercise, consistingof 20 to 30 min- utes of exercisingwith your heart rate in your training zone. (During the first few weeks of your exercise pro- gram, do not keep your heart rate in your training zone for longer than 20 minutes.)
A
EXERCISE FREQUENCY
To maintain or improveyour condition, plan three work- outs 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. The key to success is make exercise a regu- lar and enjoyable part of your everyday life.
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