Checking Your Pulse

For best results, stay within your THRR during exercise. To do this, check your pulse periodically during your workout. (See Figure 4 on page 14 for the times to .check your heart rate during the Hill Profile program.)

You may wish to use the optional chest strap, but your own two fingers will suffice. A pulse can be conveniently monitored in two locations: (1) halfway between the ear and windpipe on the neck or (2) on the thumb side of the inside of the wrist. To monitor your pulse, hold your index and middle fingers together against either site. (The neck site is easiest during exercise.)

CAUTION: Do not press too hard, especially when taking a

neck pulse. Excessive pressure can reduce blood flow and cause the heart to slow down.

A 15-second count is recommended. Your heart rate per minute is four

times the 15-second count.

Figure 8: Training Zone Chart

 

TRAINING

ZONE CHART

100%

200

 

195

 

 

 

 

185

180

 

 

85%

 

175

 

 

W

 

 

I-

 

155

:) 75%

 

Z

 

100%

~

in

~60%

W

In

85%

75%

60%

20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65

AGE

D Training above 85% of your theoretical maximum

. heart rate is not recommended.

CARDIORESPIRATORY TRAINING RANGE -- between 75% and 85% of your theoretical maximum heart rate.

D FAT LOSS TRAINING RANGE -- between 60% and 75%

. of your theoretical maximum heart rate.

For most people, training benefits are difficult to achieve

if performed below 60% of their theoretical maximum heart rate.

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Life Fitness 5500 manual Checking Your Pulse, 75%