Achieving Your Fitness Goals

An important step in developing a long term fitness program is to determine your goals. Is your pri- mary goal for exercising on your elliptical trainer to lose weight? Improve muscle? Burn Stress? Prepare for the spring racing schedule? Knowing what your goals are will help you develop a more successful exercise program. Below are some common exercise goals:

• Weight Loss

• Weight Maintenance

• Improve Body Shape and Tone

• Strengthen Leg Muscles

• Increased Energy Level

• Improved Sleep Patterns

• Improved Sports Performance

• Stress Reduction

•Improved Cardiovascular Endurance

If possible try to define your personal goals in precise, measurable terms, and then put your goals in writing. The more specific you can be, the easier it will be to track your progress. If your goals are long term, divide them up into monthly and weekly segments. Longer term goals can lose some of the immediate motivation benefits. Short term goals are easier to achieve. Your elliptical trainer console provides you with several readouts that can be used to record your progress. You can track Distance, Calories or Time. Time is the most important and useful of test functions.

KEEPING AN EXERCISE DIARY

Photocopy the weekly and monthly log sheets on the following pages to make your personal exercise log book. As time goes by you’ll be able to look back with pride at the work you’ve done. As your fit- ness improves, you can look back and see how far you’ve come.

HOW HARD?

How hard you workout is also determined by your goals. If you use your elliptical trainer to prepare for a 5K run, you will probably work out at a higher intensity than if your goal is general fitness. Regardless of your long term goals, always begin an exercise program at low intensity. Aerobic exer- cise does not have to be painful to be beneficial! There are two ways to measure your exercise inten- sity. The first is by monitoring your heart rate, and the second is by evaluating your perceived exer- tion level (this is simpler than it sounds!). Note: Always consult your physician before beginning an exercise program.

PERCEIVED EXERTION LEVEL

The second and simpler way to gauge your exercise intensity is to evaluate your perceived exertion level. While exercising if you are too winded to maintain a conversation without gasping, you are working out too hard. A good rule of thumb is to work to the point of exhilaration, not exhaustion. If you cannot catch your breath, it’s time to slow down. Always be aware of other warning signs of overexertion.

32

Page 31 Page 33
Page 32
Image 32
Horizon Fitness 3.1E manual Achieving Your Fitness Goals, Keeping AN Exercise Diary, How Hard?, Perceived Exertion Level
Page 31 Page 33

3.1E specifications

The Horizon Fitness 3.1E is an elliptical machine designed to provide an efficient and low-impact workout experience suitable for users of all fitness levels. This machine combines advanced features, innovative technologies, and user-friendly characteristics, making it a fantastic choice for home fitness enthusiasts.

One of the main features of the 3.1E is its 18-inch stride length, which promotes a natural movement during workouts, allowing users to engage multiple muscle groups effectively, including the legs, glutes, and core. Additionally, the manual incline option provides users with the ability to adjust the intensity of their workouts, further enhancing the range of exercises that can be performed.

The 3.1E incorporates Horizon's proprietary Variable Response™ cushioning technology, designed to support the user’s feet during exercise while reducing impact, making it ideal for those with joint concerns. This technology promotes comfort and stability throughout workouts, allowing users to focus on their fitness goals rather than any discomfort.

Display features are also prominent in the Horizon Fitness 3.1E. The machine is equipped with a clear, easy-to-read console that presents essential workout metrics, including time, distance, calories burned, and heart rate. This console also features built-in Bluetooth technology, allowing users to sync their workout data with popular fitness apps, making it easier to track progress over time.

In terms of design, the 3.1E boasts a compact footprint that easily fits in most home gym spaces. It is equipped with transport wheels, allowing for easy mobility when the machine needs to be relocated for cleaning or storage. The durable frame construction ensures stability during workouts, even at higher intensities.

Further enhancing the user experience, the Horizon Fitness 3.1E includes multimedia features such as built-in speakers and a device holder, enabling users to enjoy music or watch videos while exercising. This entertainment aspect can make workouts feel less tedious, encouraging longer and more frequent use.

In conclusion, the Horizon Fitness 3.1E is an excellent elliptical machine that combines advanced technology with user-friendly features. Its thoughtful design, complemented by effective performance mechanisms, caters to a wide range of fitness enthusiasts, ensuring a comfortable and engaging workout experience.
Top Page Image Contents