17
How to Exercise on the Treadmill
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 recom-
mended heart rates for fat burning and aerobic exer-
cise.
To find the proper heart rate for you, first find your age
on the left side of the chart (ages are rounded off to
the nearest ten years). Next, find the three numbers to
the right of your age. The three numbers are your
“training zone.” The lower two numbers are recom-
mended heart rates for fat burning; the higher number
is the recommended heart rate for aerobic exercise.
Fat Burning
To burn fat effectively, you must exercise at a relatively
low intensity level for a sustained period of time. During
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 one of the lower two numbers in 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 pro-
longed 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 highest number in your training
zone.
WORKOUT GUIDELINES
Each workout should include the following three impor-
tant parts:
A warm-up—Start each workout with 5 to 8 minutes
of stretching and light exercise (see SUGGESTED
STRETCHES on page 18). A proper warm-up
increases your body temperature, heart rate, and
circulation in preparation for exercise.
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 rate in your training zone for longer than 20
minutes.) Breathe regularly and deeply as you exer-
cise—do not hold your breath.
A cool-down—Finish each workout with 5 to 8 min-
utes of stretching to cool down. This will increase the
flexibility of your muscles and will help to prevent post-
exercise problems.
Exercise Frequency
To maintain or improve your condition, complete three
workouts each week, with at least one day of rest be-
tween workouts. After a few months, you may com-
plete 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.
WARNING:
Before beginning
this or any exercise program, consult your
physician. This is especially important for in-
dividuals over the age of 35 or individuals
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.
