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Nautilus® Commercial Series Bike Owner’s Manual
The following chart will allow you to log your heart rate numbers based upon how you feel when working
out. Simply log the heart rate numbers you find when you feel you are working at each of the specific
intensities.
Zone
Description of
Workout Intensity
Approximate %
of Maximum
Heart Rate
Log Your
Heart Rate
Your
Heart Rate
1
• Easy
• Warm-up
• Cool-down
50% – 65%
Enter the heart rate
you get when you are
working in Zone 1
2
• Challenging, but comfortable
• Steady endurance pace
65% – 75%
Enter the heart rate
you get when you are
working in Zone 2
3
• Challenging, and uncomfortable
• Race pace
• Borderline out of breath
75% – 85%
Enter the heart rate
you get when you are
working in Zone 3
4
• Breathless
• Not maximum, but winded
• Can’t keep the pace for very long
85% – 90%
Enter the heart rate
you get when you are
working in Zone 4
As you get in better shape, the heart rate number you obtain for each zone will get higher and higher,
which means your heart is able to handle higher intensities. Or you may find that your numbers don’t
change, but you are able to stay in Zone 3 and Zone 4 longer than you used to.
Don’t get too attached to any specific number or target heart rate. If you train properly, you will notice
numbers that used to be difficult have now become easier. You will also notice that if you are sick or over-
tired, you may find that numbers that usually feel fairly easy are one day much harder, and it is a good
sign to take a break. If you notice that numbers that are usually very challenging are one day fairly easy,
then it is a good time to push yourself.
Listening to your body, and using your heart rate numbers (when available) will enable you to keep track
of your intensity and see your progress as you train.
Beating the dropout odds
The Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health summarizes a few main points:
1. Regular physical activity offers substantial improvements in health and well-being for a majority of
Americans.
2. If you exercise regularly, you’ll reduce your risk of heart attack, cancer, diabetes, high blood
pressure, osteoporosis and even the common cold.
3. Regular exercise, regardless of the intensity, can help you control stress, sleep problems and
depression.
EXERCISE & FITNESS GUIDELINES