13
THE FOUR BASIC TYPES OF WORKOUTS
Muscle Building
To increase the size and strength of your muscles,
push them close to their maximum capacity. Your
muscles will continually adapt and grow as you pro-
gressively increase the intensity of your exercise. You
can adjust the intensity level of an individual exercise
in two ways:
• by changing the amount of resistance used
• by changing the number of repetitions or sets per-
formed. (A “repetition” is one complete cycle of an
exercise, such as one sit-up. A “set” is a series of
repetitions.)
The proper amount of resistance for each exercise
depends upon the individual user. You must gauge
your limits and select the amount of resistance that is
right for you. Begin with 3 sets of 8 repetitions for
each exercise you perform. Rest for 3 minutes after
each set. When you can complete 3 sets of 12 repeti-
tions without difficulty, increase the amount of resis-
tance.
Toning
You can tone your muscles by pushing 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
Cross training is an efficient way to get a complete
and well-balanced fitness program. An example of a
balanced program is:
• Plan strength training workouts on Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday.
• Plan 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, such as
running on a treadmill or riding on an elliptical or
exercise bike, on Tuesday and Thursday.
• Rest from both strength training and aerobic exer-
cise for at least one full day each week to give your
body time to regenerate.
The combination of strength training and aerobic exer-
cise will reshape and strengthen your body, plus
develop your heart and lungs.
PERSONALISING YOUR EXERCISE PROGRAM
Determining the exact length of time for each workout,
as well as the number of repetitions or sets complet-
ed, is an individual matter. It is important to avoid
overdoing it during the first few months of your exer-
cise program. You should progress at your own pace
and be sensitive to your body’s signals. If you experi-
ence pain or dizziness at any time whilst exercising,
stop immediately and begin cooling down. Find out
what is wrong before continuing. Remember that ade-
quate rest and a proper diet are important factors in
any exercise program.
WARMING UP
Begin each workout with 5 to 10 minutes of stretching
and light exercise to warm up. Warming up prepares
your body for more strenuous exercise by increasing
circulation, raising your body temperature and deliver-
ing more oxygen to your muscles.
WORKING OUT
Each workout should include 6 to 10 different exercis-
es. Select exercises for every major muscle group,
emphasising areas that you want to develop most. To
give balance and variety to your workouts, vary the
exercises from session to session.
Schedule your workouts for the time of day when your
energy level is the highest. Each workout should be
followed by at least one day of rest. Once you find the
schedule that is right for you, stick with it.
EXERCISE FORM
Maintaining proper form is an essential part of an
effective exercise program. This requires moving
through the full range of motion for each exercise,
and moving only the appropriate parts of the body.
Exercising in an uncontrolled manner will leave you
feeling exhausted. On the exercise guide accompany-
ing this manual you will find photographs showing the
correct form for several exercises, and a list of the
muscles affected. Refer to the muscle chart on the
next page to find the names of the muscles.
The repetitions in each set should be performed
smoothly and without pausing. The exertion stage of
each repetition should last about half as long as the
return stage. Proper breathing is important. Exhale
during the exertion stage of each repetition and inhale
during the return stroke. Never hold your breath.
Exercise Guidelines
4
Backrest
Weight Rests
Curl Pad
Weight Tube
Upright
Leg Lever
Adjustment
Knob
Adjustment
Tube
Seat
Anchor
Hole*
*Note: Use the anchor holes to secure the
weight bench in a fixed position, if desired.
Before You Begin
Thank you for selecting the versatile WEIDER
®
PRO
440 weight bench. The weight bench is designed to
help you develop every major muscle group of the
body. Whether your goal is to tone your body, build
dramatic muscle size and strength, or improve your
cardiovascular system, the weight bench will help you
to achieve the results you want.
For your benefit, read this manual carefully before
using the weight bench.
If you have additional ques-
tions, please call our Customer Service Department at
08457 089 009
. To help us assist you, please note the
product model number and serial number before call-
ing. The model number is WEEVBE33110. The serial
number can be found on a decal attached to the
weight bench (see the front cover of this manual).
Before reading further, please review the drawing
below and familiarise yourself with the parts that are
labelled.
