Ironman Fitness Quest Workout Information, Frequency, Intensity, Time, Target Heart Rate Zone

Workout Information

Frequency, Intensity, Time, Target Heart Rate Zone

The exercise practices include four major variables: frequency, intensity, time, target heart rate zone. A continuous workout will help to improve your cardiovascular functions and increase the ability of your muscles to obtain the oxygen and nutrition. A good workout provides a greater advantage to extend the endurance of muscle and body flexibility.

Frequency: How Often Should You Exercise

Three to five times a week is highly suggested to improve your cardiovascular and muscle fit- ness.

Intensity: How Hard Should You Exercise

The intensity of an exercise is reflected in your heart rate. Exercise must be sufficient to strengthen your heart muscle and condition your cardiovascular system. Only your doctor or an authorized coach can prescribe the target training heart range appropriate for your particular needs and physical condition.

Start with exercise that stimulates you to breathe more deeply. Alternate periods of moderate and easy exercise to help your body adapt to new levels of exertion without unnecessary strain. The inability to maintain a smooth, rhythmic motion is a sign that your speed or elevation is too high. If you feel out of breath before you have exercised 12 minutes, you are probably overdo- ing it.

As your fitness level improves, you will need to increase your workload to reach your target heart rate. The first increase may be necessary after two to four weeks of regular exercise. Never exceed your target heart rate zone.

Weight Management

Consistent aerobic exercise will help you change your body composition by lowering your per- centage of body fat. For weight control, how long and how often you exercise is more important than how hard you exercise.

Exercise at least four to five times a week.

Reach and maintain 60-75% of your maximum heart rate with moderate exercise.

Exercise for 30-45 minutes at 60-65% of your target heart rate.

Here are some tips to achieve your weight management goal.

Consume most of your dietary calories at breakfast and lunch, and eat a light dinner.

Do not eat anything near the bedtime.

Moderate exercise will help suppress your appetite.

Take regular breaks and rests to help increase metabolism.

Warning!

If you have any questions or concerns about your target heart rate consult your physician Medications may affect your heart rate. Stop exercise if: you feel faint or dizzy, acute illness (cold or fever), any pain or tightness in your chest, an irregular heartbeat, of if you exceed your maximum heart rate set by your physician.

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