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EXERCISE GUIDELINES
THE FOUR BASIC TYPES OF WORKOUTS
Muscle Building
To increase the size and strength of your muscles
push them close to their maximum capacity. Your mus-
cles will continually adapt and grow as you progres-
sively increase the intensity of your exercise. You can
adjust the intensity level of an individual exercise in
two ways:
• by changing the amount of weight used
• by changing the number of repetitions or sets per-
formed. (A “repetition” is one complete cycle of an
exercise such as one sit-up. A “set” is a series of
repetitions.)
The proper amount of weight for each exercise
depends upon the individual user. You must gauge
your limits and select the amount of weight that is right
for you. Begin with 3 sets of 8 repetitions for each
exercise you perform. Rest for 3 minutes after each
set. When you can complete 3 sets of 12 repetitions
without difficulty increase the amount of weight.
Toning
You can tone your muscles by pushing them to a mod-
erate percentage of their capacity. Select a moderate
amount of weight and increase the number of repeti-
tions in each set. Complete as many sets of 15 to 20
repetitions as possible without discomfort. Rest for 1
minute after each set. Work your muscles by complet-
ing more sets rather than by using high amounts of
weight.
Weight Loss
To lose weight use a low amount of weight and
increase the number of repetitions in each set.
Exercise for 20 to 30 minutes resting for a maximum
of 30 seconds between sets.
Cross Training
Cross training is an efficient way to get a complete and
well-balanced fitness program. An example of a bal-
anced program is:
• Plan weight training workouts on Monday
Wednesday and Friday.
• Plan 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise such as
cycling or swimming on Tuesday and Thursday.
• Rest from both weight training and aerobic exercise
for at least one full day each week to give your body
time to regenerate.
The combination of weight training and aerobic exer-
cise will reshape and strengthen your body plus devel-
op your heart and lungs.
PERSONALISING YOUR EXERCISE PROGRAM
Determining the exact length of time for each workout
as well as the number of repetitions or sets completed
is an individual matter. It is important to avoid overdo-
ing it during the first few months of your exercise pro-
gram. You should progress at your own pace and be
sensitive to your body’s signals. If you experience pain
or dizziness at any time whilst exercising stop imme-
diately and begin cooling down. Find out what is wrong
before continuing. Remember that adequate rest and a
proper diet are important factors in any exercise pro-
gram.
WARMING UP
Begin each workout with 5 to 10 minutes of stretching
and light exercise to warm up. Warming up prepares
your body for more strenuous exercise by increasing
circulation raising your body temperature and deliver-
ing more oxygen to your muscles.
WORKING OUT
Each workout should include 6 to 10 different exercis-
es. Select exercises for every major muscle group
emphasising areas that you want to develop most. To
give balance and variety to your workouts vary the
exercises from session to session.
Schedule your workouts for the time of day when your
energy level is the highest. Each workout should be
followed by at least one day of rest. Once you find the
schedule that is right for you stick with it.
EXERCISE FORM
Maintaining proper form is an essential part of an
effective exercise program. This requires moving
through the full range of motion for each exercise and
moving only the appropriate parts of the body.
Exercising in an uncontrolled manner will leave you
feeling exhausted. On the exercise guide accompany-
ing this manual you will find photographs showing the
correct form for several exercises and a list of the
muscles affected. Refer to the muscle chart on page
23 to find the names of the muscles.
The repetitions in each set should be performed
smoothly and without pausing. The exertion stage of
each repetition should last about half as long as the
return stage. Proper breathing is important. Exhale
during the exertion stage of each repetition and inhale
during the return stroke. Never hold your breath.
1 Read all instructions in this manual before
using the weight bench Use the weight
bench only as described in this manual
2 It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure
that all users of the weight bench are ade-
quately informed of all precautions
3 The weight bench is intended for home use
only Do not use the weight bench in any
commercial, rental, or institutional setting
4 Use the weight bench only on a level surface
Cover the floor beneath the weight bench to
protect the floor
5 Make sure all parts are properly tightened
each time you use the weight bench Replace
any worn parts immediately
6 Keep children under 12 and pets away from
the weight bench at all times
7 Keep hands and feet away from moving parts
8 Always wear athletic shoes for foot protec-
tion whilst exercising
9 Always move the bench out of the way when
performing squat exercises Always discon-
nect the lat bar from the high pulley station
when performing an exercise that does not
require it
10 Always set both weight rests and both safety
spotters at the same height
11 The weight bench is designed to support a
maximum user weight of 115 kg (250 lbs )
12 Do not place more than 136 kg (300 lbs ),
including the barbell, on the weight rests Do
not place more than 68 kg (150 lbs ) on the
weight carriage or leg lever Note: The weight
bench is designed to be used with an Olympic
barbell, and standard or Olympic weights The
weight bench does not include a barbell or
weights
13 Always place an equal amount of weight on
each side of the weight carriage or barbell
14 Always secure the weights with the weight
pins when they are mounted on the weight
carriage
15
Always exercise with a partner Your partner
should be ready to catch the barbell if you
cannot complete a repetition
16 Make sure that the cables remain on the pul-
leys at all times If the cables bind as you are
exercising, stop immediately and make sure
that the cables are on the pulleys
17 If you feel pain or dizziness at any time
whilst exercising, stop immediately and
begin cooling down
WARNING:Before beginning this or any exercise program, consult your physician This
is especially important for persons over the age of 35 or persons with pre-existing health problems
Read all instructions before using ICON assumes no responsibility for personal injury or property
damage sustained by or through the use of this product
WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious injury, read the following important precautions
before using the weight bench
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
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