14
CONDITIONING GUIDELINES
The following guidelines will help you to plan your
exercise program. Remember—these are general
guidelines only. For more detailed exercise informa-
tion, obtain a reputable book or consult your physi-
cian.
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. To find the proper heart rate for
you, first find your age at the top of the chart below
(ages are rounded off to the nearest ten years). Next,
find the two numbers below your age. The two num-
bers are your “training zone.”
To measure your heart rate during exercise, use the
pulse sensor on the console. If your heart rate is too
high or too low, adjust the speed of the treadmill as
needed.
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 ener-
gy. 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 of the treadmill until
your heart rate is near the low 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 aerobic exercise,
adjust the speed of the treadmill until your heart rate is
near the middle of your training zone.
WORKOUT GUIDELINES
Each workout should include the following three
important parts:
Warming Up
Start each workout with 5 to 10 minutes of stretching
and light exercise. A proper warm-up increases your
body temperature, heart rate, and circulation in prepa-
ration for exercise.
Training Zone Exercise
After warming up, increase the intensity of your exer-
cise 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 reg-
ularly and deeply as you exercise—never hold your
breath.
Cool-down
Finish each workout with 5 to 10 minutes of stretching
to cool down. This will increase the flexibility of your
muscles and will help prevent post-exercise problems.
EXERCISE FREQUENCY
To maintain or improve your condition, complete three
workouts each week, with at least one day of rest
between workouts. After a few months, you may com-
plete up to five workouts each week if desired.
WARNING:
Before beginning
this or any exercise program, consult your
physician. This is especially important for
individuals over the age of 35 or individuals
with pre-existing health problems.
The pulse sensor is not a medical device.
Various factors, including your movement,
may affect the accuracy of heart rate read-
ings. The sensor is intended only as an exer-
cise aid in determining heart rate trends in
general.
