Horizon Fitness Elite H308, User Manual, Page: 6 / 14

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ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE BEGINNING AN EXERCISE PROGRAM.
HOW OFTEN? (Frequency of Workouts)
The American Heart Association recommends that you exercise at least 3 to 4 days per week to maintain
cardiovascular fitness. If you have other goals such as weight or fat loss, you will achieve your goal faster with
more frequent exercise. Whether it’s 3 days or 6 days, remember that your ultimate goal should be to make
exercise a lifetime habit. Many people are successful staying with a fitness program if they set aside a specific
time of day to exercise. It doesn’t matter whether it’s in the morning before breakfast, during lunch hour or while
watching the evening news. What’s more important is that it’s a time that allows you to keep a schedule, and a
time when you won’t be interrupted. To be successful with your fitness program, you have to make it a priority in
your life. So decide on a time, pull out your day planner and pencil in your exercise times for the next month!
HOW LONG? (Duration of Workouts)
For aerobic exercise benefits, it’s recommended that you exercise from between 24 and 60 minutes per session.
But start slowly and gradually increase your exercise times. If you’ve been sedentary during the past year, it may
be a good idea to keep your exercise times to as little as five minutes initially. Your body will need time to adjust
to the new activity. If your goal is weight loss, a longer exercise session at lower intensities has been found to
be most effective. A workout time of 48 minutes or more is recommended for best weight loss results.
HOW HARD? (Intensity of Workouts)
How hard you workout is also determined by your goals. If you use your machine to prepare for a 5K workout,
you will probably work out at a higher intensity than if your goal is general fitness. Regardless of your long
term goals, always begin an exercise program at low intensity. Aerobic exercise does not have to be painful to
be beneficial! There are two ways to measure your exercise intensity. The first is by monitoring your heart rate
(using the grip pulse handlebars or a wireless chest transmitter - may be sold separately), and the second is by
evaluating your perceived exertion level (this is simpler than it sounds!).
PERCEIVED EXERTION LEVEL
A simple way to gauge your exercise intensity is to evaluate your perceived exertion level. While exercising, if you
are too winded to maintain a conversation without gasping, you are working out too hard. A good rule of thumb
is to work to the point of exhilaration, not exhaustion. If you cannot catch your breath, it’s time to slow down.
Always be aware of these warning signs of overexertion.
CONDITIONING GUIDELINES
HEART RATE
HANDLEBARS
Place the palm of your hands directly on the grip pulse handlebars. Both hands must grip the bars for your
heart rate to register. It takes 5 consecutive heart beats (15-20 seconds) for your heart rate to register. When
gripping the pulse handlebars, do not grip tightly. Holding the grips tightly may elevate your blood pressure.
Keep a loose, cupping hold. You may experience an erratic readout if consistently holding the grip pulse
handlebars. Make sure to clean the pulse sensors to ensure proper contact can be maintained.
WIRELESS CHEST TRANSMITTER
Prior to wearing the wireless chest transmitter on your
chest, moisten the two rubber electrodes with water.
Center the chest strap just below the breast or pectoral
muscles, directly over your sternum, with the logo facing
out. NOTE: The chest strap must be tight and properly
placed to receive an accurate and consistent readout. If
the chest strap is too loose, or positioned improperly, you
may receive an erratic or inconsistent heart rate readout.
WARNING! The heart rate function is not a medical device.
Various factors may affect the accuracy of your heart rate
reading. The heart rate reading is intended only as an
exercise aid.
NOTE: Chest strap sold separately. Works with Polar®
Chest Straps.
BACKSIDE OF CHEST TRANSMITTER
APPLY MOISTURE HERE