ProForm 570 Uk 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 preexisting 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. Remember-these are general guidelines only. For more detailed exercise information, obtain a reputable book or consult your physician. 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. 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 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 low end of 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 middle of your training zone. High Performance Athletic Conditioning If your goal is high performance athletic conditioning, adjust the speed and incline of the treadmill until your heart rate is near the high end of your training zone. Note: During the first few weeks of your exercise program, keep your heart rate near the low end of your training zone. WORKOUT GUIDELINES Each workout should include the following three parts: A warm-up-Start each workout with 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. To find the proper heart rate for you, first find your age on 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 lowest number is the recommended heart rate for fat burning; the middle number is the recommended heart rate for aerobic exercise; the highest number is the recommended heart rate for high performance conditioning. To measure your heart rate, use the pulse sensor on the console. If your heart rate is too high or too low, adjust the speed and incline of the treadmill as needed. Fat Burning 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 in your training zone for longer than 20 minutes.) 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 prevent postexercise problems. EXERCISE FREQUENCY 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. To burn fat effectively, you must exercise at a relatively 14 low intensity level for a sustained period of time. During