ProForm 525 User Manual - Page 14

CONDITIONING GUIDELINES WARNING: Before beginning this or any exercise program, consult your physician. This is especially important for individuals over the age of 35 or individuals with pre-existing health problems. The pulse sensor is not a medical device. Various factors, including your movement, may affect the accuracy of heart rate readings. The sensor is intended only as an exercise aid in determining heart rate trends in general. The following guidelines will help you to plan your exercise program. For more detailed exercise information, obtain a reputable book or consult your physician. stored fat calories for energy. If your goal is to burn fat, adjust the speed and incline of the treadmill until your heart rate is near the lower numbers in your training zone. Aerobic Exercise If your goal is to strengthen your cardiovascular system, your exercise must be "aerobic." Aerobic exercise 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 speed and incline of the treadmill until your heart rate is near the highest number in your training zone. WORKOUT GUIDELINES EXERCISE INTENSITY Whether your goal is to burn fat or to 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. The chart below shows recommended heart rates for fat burning and aerobic exercise. A well-rounded workout includes the following three important parts: A Warm-up Start each workout with 5 to 10 minutes of stretching and light exercise (see SUGGESTED STRETCHES on page 15). A proper warm-up increases your body temperature, heart rate, and circulation in preparation for exercise. To find the proper heart rate for you, first find your age at the bottom of the chart (ages are rounded off to the nearest ten years). Next, find the three numbers above your age. The three numbers are your "training zone." The lower two numbers are the recommended heart rates for fat burning; the highest number is the recommended heart rate for aerobic exercise. Training Zone Exercise After warming up, increase the intensity of your exercise until your heart rate is in your training zone for 20 to 60 minutes. (During the first few weeks of your exercise program, do not keep your heart rate in your training zone for longer than 20 minutes.) Breathe regularly and deeply as you exercise-never hold your breath. A Cool-down Finish each workout with 5 to 10 minutes of stretching to cool down. This will increase the flexibility of your muscles and will help to prevent post-exercise problems. EXERCISE FREQUENCY Fat Burning To burn fat effectively, you must exercise at a relatively 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 does your body begin to use To maintain or improve your condition, complete three workouts each week, with at least one day of rest between workouts. After a few months, 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. 14