LeMond g-force UT - Manual (Page 13)

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4 GUIDELINES FOR AN EFFECTIVE EXERCISE PROGRAM
Setting a Goal and Defining Objectives
An important step in a successful exercise program is to set achievable goals and objectives. Regardless
of your current physical condition, you need to establish a workable plan to reach your fitness goals.
Begin by asking yourself a few basic questions. Are you just beginning an exercise program and wishing
to change your lifestyle from sedentary to physically active, or are your goals to enhance your current
fitness levels? What are your primary objectives? Is your program to be geared toward losing weight,
increasing aerobic capacity, maintaining or building muscle tone, or perhaps all three?
In order to ensure that you fully receive all benefits associated with a sound exercise program, you
should first identify any risk factors that may influence the design of your exercise program. Your health
care professional should be the first step in identifying risk factors that may need to be addressed in es-
tablishing a program. Consider having a trained fitness professional help you in developing an individu-
alized program that is enjoyable, easily maintained, but still challenging enough to achieve your desired
results.
Remember that your greatest benefit will come from an increased sense of well-being that comes along
with a lifestyle that includes physical activity. People who have already made physical fitness a part of
their daily lives, will confirm that the benefits of including physical activity in your life far outweigh the
inconvenience and time spent.
Any time you spend on your exercise program will reward you with increased energy, reduced stress, a
greater ability to focus and concentrate, and improved self-confidence. You and the people you share
your life with will reap the rewards of your new lifestyle.
Flexibility Training
Achieving and maintaining an adequate range of motion should always be included in a comprehensive
exercise program. Sufficient flexibility will increase your enjoyment and maximize the effectiveness of
exercising on the
g•force UT
. It will also reduce discomfort while working out and reduce the risk of
injury. Always warm-up before stretching. Warm-up should include light activity to increase both your
heart rate and body temperature. Increasing your body temperature allows you to stretch muscles
more effectively and safely. Attempting to stretch a cold muscle is counterproductive and can lead to an
injury that may interfere with the continuation of your fitness program and can postpone reaching your
goals.