Exercise Guidelines, Exercise Intensity

EXERCISE GUIDELINES

These guidelines will help you to plan your exercise program. For detailed exercise information, obtain a reputable book or consult your physician. Remember, proper nutrition and adequate rest are essential for successful results.

EXERCISE INTENSITY

Burning Fat--Toburn fat effectively, you must exer- cise at a low intensity level for a sustained period of time. During the first few minutes of exercise, your body uses 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 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--Ifyour goal is to strengthen your cardiovascular 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

Whether your goal is to burn fat or to strengthen your cardiovascular system, exercising at the proper inten- sity 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.

165	155	145	140	i30	125	115	_
145	138	I30	125	118	110	103	CW_)
125	120	115	I10	105	95	90
20	30	40	50	60	70	80

To find the proper intensity level, find your age at the bottom of the chart (ages are rounded off to the near- est 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.

Warming Up--Startwith 5 to 10 minutes of stretching and light exercise. A warm-up increases your body temperature, heart rate, and circulation in preparation for exercise.

Training Zone Exercise--Exercisefor 20 to 30 min- utes 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--Finishwith 5 to 10 minutes of stretching. 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 exer- cise, you may complete up to five workouts each week, if desired. Remember, the key to success is to make exercise a regular and enjoyable part of your everyday life.