CONDITIONING GUIDELINES
The following guidelines will help you to plan your
exercise program. Remember that propernutrition
and adequate rest are essential forsuccessful results.
_rogram,
EXERCISE INTENSITY
To maximize the benefits of exercising, it is important
to exercise with the proper intensity. The proper Inten-
sity level can be found by using your heart rate as a
guide. For effective aerobic exercise, your heart rate
should be maintained at a level between 70% and
85% of your maximum heart rate as you exercise.
This is known as your training zone. You can find your
training zone in the table below. Training zones are
listed for both unconditioned and conditioned persons
according to age.
Tralning Zone
Unconditioned Conditioned
Age (Beats/Min.) (Beats/MIn.)
20 138-167 133-162
25 136-166 132-160
30 135-164 130-158
35 134-162 129-156
40 132-161 127-155
45 131-159 125-153
50 129-156 124-150
55 127-155 122-149
60 125-153 121-147
65 125-151 119-145
70 123-150 118-144
75 122-147 117-142
80 120-146 115-140
85 118-144 114-139
During the first few months of your exercise program,
keep your heart rate near the low end ofyourtraining
zone as you exercise. After a few months, your heart
rate can be increased gradually untilit isnear the mid-
dle of your training zone as you exercise.
To measure
your heart rate,
stop exercising
and place two
fingers on your
wrist es shown.
Take a six-sec-
ond heartbeat
coun_ and mul-
tiply theresuft
by10tofind
your heart rate. For example, if your six-second head-
beat countis 14, your heart rate is 140 beats per
minute. (A six-second count is used because your
heart rats will drop rapidly when you stop exercising.)
Adjust the Intensity of your exeri:lse until your head
rate is at the proper level.
WORKOUT GUIDEUNES
A well-roundadworkout includesthe followingthree
phases."
A warm-up phase, lasting 5 to 10 minutes. Begin
with slow,controlled stretches, and progressto more
rhythmicstretches to increase the body temperature,
heart rate and circulation in preparation for strenuous
exercise. Stretching also guards against muscle, ten-
don and ligament sprains. (See SUGGESTED
STRETCHES on page 13.)
A cardiovascular phase, including 20 to 30 minutes
of exercisingwith your heart rate in your training zone.
A cool-down phase, consisting of 5 to 10 minutesof
activitysimilar to that of the warm-up phase.
Thorough stretching offsets muscle contractions and
other problemscaused when you stop exemising sud-
denly. Stretchingfor increased flexibility isoften most
effectiveduring this phase. This phase shouldleave
you.relaxedand comfortably tired.
Instead ofwaiting for aconvenient time to exercise,
plan aspecifictime. The morning hours work well for
many, and the self-discipline required to dse early and
exercise often carries through the day to help
increaseproductivityin other areas. For some, exer-
rising before dinner initiates a periodof winding down
from the day's activities. Whatever time you choose,
be consistentand stick with iL
To maintain or improve your condition, complete three
workouts each week, with at least one day of rest
between workouts. After a few months of regular exer-
cise, you may complete up to five workouts each
week, if desired. Remember, the key to success is ......
CONSISTENCY. t1