True Manufacturing Company PS/50 - Manual (Page 26)

PS50 Recumbent Bike Owner’s Guide
26
The workout portion of your exercise program consists of three
major variables: Frequency, Intensity, and Time.
Frequency: How Often You Exercise
You should exercise three to five times a week to improve
your cardiovascular and muscle fitness. Improvements are
significantly smaller with less frequent exercise.
Intensity: How Hard You Exercise
Intensity of exercise is reflected in your heart rate. Exercise
must be sufficiently rigorous to strengthen your heart muscle
and condition your cardiovascular system. Only your doctor can
prescribe the target heart range appropriate for your particular
needs and physical condition.
Start with exercise that stimulates you to breathe more deeply.
Alternate days of moderate and easy exercise to help your body
adapt to new levels of exertion without unnecessary strain.
If you are just beginning an exercise program, you may be most
comfortable pedaling at a speed of 1-2 mph. As you use your
bike regularly, higher speeds may be more comfortable and
more effective.
Inability to maintain a smooth, rhythmic motion suggests that
your speed and/or tension may be too great.
If you feel out of breath before you have exercised 12 minutes,
you are probably exercising too hard.
What is the F.I.T. Concept?
Chapter Five: Creating an Exercise Program
What is
the F.I.T.
Concept?