True Fitness 400 manual Beginning Your Exercise Program, Warm-Up Slow and Deliberate Exercise

Beginning Your Exercise Program

current level of fitness. Reducing the intensity of your workout is recommended.

The age-adjusted target heart rates indicated in the previous chart reflect averages. A variety of factors (including medication, emotional state, temperature, and other conditions) can affect the exercise heart rate appropriate for you.

Warning: Consult your doctor to establish the exercise intensity (target heart rate zone) appropriate for your age and condition before beginning any exercise program.

Beginning Your Exercise Program

Warm-Up: Slow and Deliberate Exercise

You are not warmed up until you begin to perspire lightly and breath more deeply. Warming up prepares your heart and other muscles for more intense exercise and helps you avoid premature exhaustion. Begin each workout by walking even if you plan to run. Start slowly, exploring different speeds until you can comfortably sustain your speed. A good suggestion is a minimum of three minutes. Perspiration on your brow is a good indicator of a thorough warm-up. The older you are, the longer your warm-up period should be.

Workout: Brisk and Rhythmic Exercise

The workout trains and conditions your heart, lungs, and muscles to operate more efficiently. Increase exercise in response to your heart rate to train and strengthen your cardiovascular system. Concentrate on moving your arms and legs smoothly. Walk naturally and avoid jerking motions that can cause pulled muscles, sprained joints, and loss of balance.

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