ProForm 510e Uk Manual - Page 15

CONDITIONING GUIDELINES The following guidelines will help you to plan your exercise program. Remember that proper nutrition and adequate rest are essential for successful results. WARNING: Before beginning this or any exercise program, consult your physician. This is especially important for persons over the age of 35 or persons with pre-existing health problems. EXERCISE INTENSITY Whether your goal is to burn fat or strengthen your cardiovascular system, the key to achieving the desired results is to exercise with the proper intensity. The proper intensity level can be found by using your heart rate as a guide. For effective exercise, your heart rate should be maintained at a level between 70% and 85% of your maximum heart rate as you exercise. This is known as your training zone. You can find your training zone in the table below. Training zones are listed according to age and physical condition. Burning Fat To burn fat, you must exercise at a low intensity level for a sustained period of time. During the first few minutes of exercise, your body uses easily accessible 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 low end of your training zone as you exercise. Aerobic Exercise If your goal is to strengthen your cardiovascular system, your exercise must be "aerobic." Aerobic exer- cise is activity that requires large amounts of oxygen for prolonged periods of time. This increases the demand on the heart to pump blood to the muscles, and on the lungs to oxygenate the blood. For aerobic exercise, adjust the intensity of your exercise until your heart rate is near the middle of your training zone. HOW TO MEASURE YOUR HEART RATE To measure your heart rate, first exercise for at least four minutes. Then, stop exercising and place two fingers on your wrist as shown. Take a six-second heartbeat count, and multiply the result by 10 to find your heart rate. For example, if your six-second heartbeat count is 14, your heart rate is 140 beats per minute. (A six-second count is used because your heart rate will drop rapidly when you stop exercising.) Adjust the intensity of your exercise until your heart rate is at the desired level. WORKOUT GUIDELINES Each workout should include the following three important parts: A warm-up, consisting of 5 to 10 minutes of stretching and light exercise. A proper warm-up increases your body temperature, heart rate, and circulation in preparation for exercise. Training zone exercise, consisting of 20 to 30 minutes of exercising 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.) A cool-down, with 5 to 10 minutes of stretching. This will increase the flexibility of your muscles and will help to prevent post-exercise problems. 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 exercise, you may complete up to five workouts each week if desired. The key to success is to make exercise a regular and enjoyable part of your everyday life. 15