Weider Pro 350 L Bench English Manual - Page 13

13

EXERCISE GUIDELINES

FOUR TYPES OF STRENGTH WORKOUTS

Note: A “repetition” is one complete cycle of an exer-

cise, such as one sit-up. A “set” is a series of

repetitions.

Muscle Building

—Work your muscles near their max-

imum capacity and progressively increase the intensity

of your exercise. Adjust the intensity level of an individ-

ual exercise as follows:

• Change the amount of resistance used.

• Change the number of repetitions or sets performed.

Use your own judgment to determine the amount of

resistance that is right for you. Begin with 3 sets of 8

repetitions for each exercise that you perform. Rest for

3 minutes after each set. When you can complete 3

sets of 12 repetitions without difficulty, increase the

amount of resistance.

Toning

—Tone your muscles by working them to a

moderate percentage of their capacity. Select a mod-

erate amount of resistance and increase the number

of repetitions in each set. Complete as many sets of

15 to 20 repetitions as possible without discomfort.

Rest for 1 minute after each set. Work your muscles

by completing more sets rather than by using high

amounts of resistance.

Weight Loss

—To lose weight, use a low amount of

resistance and increase the number of repetitions in

each set. Exercise for 20 to 30 minutes, resting for a

maximum of 30 seconds between sets.

Cross Training

—Combine strength training and aero-

bic exercise by following this type of program:

• Strength workouts on Monday, Wednesday, and

Friday.

• 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on Tuesday

and Thursday.

• One full day of rest each week to give your body

time to regenerate.

WORKOUT GUIDELINES

Familiarize yourself with the equipment and learn the

proper form for each exercise. Use your own judgment

to determine the appropriate length of time for each

workout, and the numbers of repetitions and sets to

complete. Progress at your own pace and be sensitive

to your bodyʼs signals. Follow each strength workout

with at least one day of rest.

Warming Up

—Start with 5 to 10 minutes of stretching

and light exercise. A warm-up increases your body

temperature, heart rate, and circulation in preparation

for exercise.

Working Out

—Include 6 to 10 different exercises in

each workout. Select exercises for every major muscle

group, emphasizing areas that you want to develop. To

give balance and variety to your workouts, vary the

exercises from workout to workout.

Cooling Down

—Finish with 5 to 10 minutes of

stretching. Stretching increases the flexibility of your

muscles and helps to prevent post-exercise problems.

EXERCISE FORM

Move through the full range of motion for each exer-

cise and move only the appropriate parts of the body.

Perform the repetitions in each set smoothly and with-

out pausing. The exertion stage of each repetition

should last about half as long as the return stage.

Exhale during the exertion stage of each repetition and

inhale during the return stroke. Never hold your

breath.

Rest for a short period of time after each set:

• Muscle Building—Rest for three minutes after each

set.

• Toning—Rest for one minute after each set.

• Weight Loss—Rest for 30 seconds after each set.

STAYING MOTIVATED

For motivation, keep a record of each workout. Write

the date, the exercises performed, the resistance

used, and the numbers of sets and repetitions com-

pleted. Record your weight and key body

measurements once a month. To achieve good results,

make exercise a regular and enjoyable part of your

life.

Weider Pro 350 L Bench English Manual - Page 13

Exercise Guidelines

Page 13 highlights