12
CONDITIONING GUIDELINES
WHY EXERCISE?
Exercise has proven essential for good health and
well-being. Participation in a well-rounded exercise
program helps to develop a stronger and more effi-
cient heart, improved respiratory function, increased
stamina, better weight management, increased ability
to handle stress, and greater self-esteem.
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. 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 train-
ing zone in the table below. Training zones are listed
according to age and physical condition.
Burning Fat
To burn fat effectively, you must exercise at the proper
intensity level for a sustained period of time. During
the first few minutes of exercise, your body uses easi-
ly accessible carbohydrate calories for energy. Only
after the first few minutes does your body begin to use
stored fat calories for energy. To burn fat, keep your
heart rate in the lower end of your training zone.
Aerobic Exercise
If your goal is to strengthen your cardiovascular sys-
tem, 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 effective aerobic
exercise, keep your heart rate in the higher end of
your training zone.
HOW TO MEASURE YOUR HEART RATE
To measure your heart rate, follow the procedure
described on page 10.
WORKOUT GUIDELINES
A proper workout includes the following parts:
A warm-up, consisting of 5 to 10 minutes of stretching
and light exercise. A proper warm-up increases the
body temperature, heart rate, and circulation in prepa-
ration for exercise.
A cardiovascular exercise period, including 20 to
30 minutes of exercise with your heart rate in your
training zone.
A cool-down, with 5 to 10 minutes of stretching.
Thorough stretching helps to offset problems caused
when you stop exercising suddenly. Stretching after
exercise is also very effective for increasing flexibility.
TRAINING ZONE (BEATS/MIN.)
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
AGE
CONDITIONED
UNCONDITIONED
133–162
132–160
130–158
129–156
127–155
125–153
124–150
122–149
121–147
119–145
118–144
117–142
115–140
114–139
138–167
136–166
135–164
134–162
132–161
131–159
129–156
127–155
126–153
125–151
123–150
122–147
120–146
118–144
WARNING
Before beginning any exercise program, con-
sult your physician. This is especially impor-
tant for individuals over the age of 35 or indi-
viduals with pre-existing health problems.
The pulse sensor is not a medical device.
Various factors, including the user's move-
ment, may affect the accuracy of heart rate
readings. The pulse sensor is intended only
as an exercise aid in determining heart rate
trends in general.
