NordicTrack NTC59020 - Manual (Page 21)

EXERCISE GUIDELINES
A WARNING:
Before begi nhi ng this or ar^ exercise pro­
gram, cof^uit your physician, This is espe-
daily important for individuals over the
age of 35 or individuals with pre-existing
h^tthlprdblerns.
the pulse sensor is not a medidil device.
Various; factors may affect the accuracy of
heart rate readings. The pulse sensor is
intended only as ah; exercise aid in deter-
minihg heart rate trends in general.
The following guidelines will help you to plan your
exercise program. Remember that proper nutrition and
adequate rest are essentiai for successful results.
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, maximum fat burn­
ing, and cardiovascular (aerobic) exercise.
165 155 145 140 130 125 115
145 138 130 125 118 110 103 m
125 120 115 no 105
95
90
«
20 30 40 50 60
70
80
To find the proper heart rate for you, first find your age
at the bottom of the chart (ages are rounded off to the
nearest ten years). Next, find the three numbers above
your age; the three numbers are your “training zone.”
The lowest number is the recommended heart rate for
fat burning; the middle number is the recommended
heart rate for maximum fat burning; and the highest
number is the heart rate for aerobic exercise.
Fat Burning
To burn fat effectively, you must exercise at a relative­
ly 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 of exercise does
your body begin to use stored fat calories for energy. If
your goal is to bum fat, adjust the intensity of your
exercise until your heart rate is near the lowest num­
ber or the middle number in your training zone as you
exercise.
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 intensity of your exercise until your heart
rate is near the highest number in your training zone.
WORKOUT GUIDELINES
Each workout should include the following three parts:
A warm-up, consisting of 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, consisting of 20 to 30 min­
utes of exercising with your heart rate in your training
zone. (During the first few weeks of your exercise pro­
gram, do not keep your heart rate in your training
zone for longer than 20 minutes.)
A cool-down, with 5 to 10 minutes of stretching. This
will increase the flexibility of your muscles and will
help to prevent post-exercise problems.
EXERCISE FREQUENCY
To maintain or improve your condition, plan three work­
outs each week, with at least one day of rest between
workouts. After a few months of regular exercise, you
may complete up to five workouts each week, if
desired. The key to success is make exercise a regu­
lar and enjoyable part of your everyday life.
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