EXERCISE GUIDELINES
THE FOUR BASIC TYPES OF WORKOUTS
Muscle Building
To increasethe size and strengthof your muscles,
pushthem close to theirmaximum capacity.Your mus-
cleswill continuallyadapt and grow as you progres-
sively increasethe intensityof yourexemise. You can
adjustthe intensitylevel of an individualexemise in
twoways:
• by changingthe amount of resistanceused
•by changingthe numberof repetitionsor sets per-
formed. (A =repetition" is one completecycleof an
exercise, such as one sit-up.A =set"is a series of
repetitions.)
The proper amountof resistancefor each exercise
depends uponthe individualuser.You mustgauge
your limitsand selectthe amount of resistancethat is
rightfor you. Begin with 3 sets of 8 repetitionsfor each
exercise you perform. Rest for 3 minutesafter each
set. When you can complete 3 sets of 12 repetitions
withoutdifficulty,increasethe amountof resistance.
Toning
You can tone yourmuscles by pushing them to a mod-
erate percentage of theircapacity.Select a moderate
amountof resistance and increase the numberof rep-
etitionsin each set. Complete as many sets of 15 to
20 repetitionsas possiblewithout discomfort.Rest for
1 minuteaftereach set. Work your musclesby com-
pletingmore sets rather than by using highamountsof
resistance.
Weight Loss
To lose weight, use a low amountof resistanceand
increase the number of repetitionsin each set.
Exercise for 20 to 30 minutes, resting for a maximum
of 30 seconds between sets.
Cross Training
Cross trainingis an efficient way to get a complete and
well-balanced fitness program.An example of a bal-
anced programis:
•Plan strengthtrainingworkoutson Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday.
•Plan 20 to 30 minutesof aerobic exercise, such as
running on a treadmillor riding on an ellipticalor
exercise bike, on Tuesday and Thursday.
•Rest from bothstrengthtrainingand aerobic exercise
for at least one fullday each week to give yourbody
time to regenerate.
The combination of strength training and aerobic exer-
cise will reshape and strengthen your body, plus devel-
op your heart and lungs.
PERSONALIZING YOUR EXERCISE PROGRAM
Determining the exact lengthof 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 while exercising, stop immedi-
ately 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
Begineach workoutwith5 to 10 minutesofstretching
and lightexercise to warm up. Warming up prepares
your bodyfor more strenuousexercise by increasing
circulation,raising your bodytemperatureand deliver-
ingmore oxygen to yourmuscles.
WORKING OUT
Each workout should include 6 to 10 different exemis-
es. Select exercises for every major musclegroup,
emphasizingareas that you wantto develop most.To
give balance and varietyto yourworkouts,vary the
exercises from sessionto session.
Schedule your workoutsfor 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 essentialpart of an
effective exercise program. This requiresmoving
throughthefull range of motionfor each exercise,and
movingonlythe appropriateparts ofthe body.
Exercising in an uncontrolledmannerwill leave you
feeling exhausted. On the exercise guide accompany-
ingthis manual you willfindphotographsshowingthe
correctform for several exercises, and a listof the
musclesaffected. Refer to the muscle charton the
next page to findthe names ofthe 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.
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