CONDITIONING GUIDELINES. ProForm 425 PCTL93070, PCTL93070

CONDITIONING GUIDELINES

WARNING:

Before beginning this or any exercise program, consult your physician. This is especially important for individuals over the age of 35 or individuals with pre-existing health problems.

The pulse sensor is not a medical device.

Various factors, including your movement, may affect the accuracy of heart rate readings.

The sensor is intended only as an exercise aid in determining heart rate trends in general.

The following guidelines will help you to plan your exercise program. Remember—these are general guidelines only. For more detailed exercise information, obtain a reputable book or consult your physician.

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 recommended heart rates for fat burning and aerobic exercise. (This chart is also found on the console.)

HEART RATE TRAINING ZONES

NIVEAUX D’ENTRAINEMENT PAR RAPPORT AU RYTHME CARDIAQUE

P e r f o r m a n c e

A e r o b i c

F a t B u r n

To find the proper heart rate for you, first find your age at the bottom of 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 bottom two numbers are recommended heart rates for fat burning; the top number is the recommended heart rate for aerobic exercise.

To measure your heart rate during exercise, use the pulse sensor on the console. (See page 9.) If your heart rate is too high or too low, adjust the speed or incline of the treadmill until your heart rate is at the proper level.

Fat Burning

To burn fat effectively, you must exercise at a relatively low intensity level for a sustained period of time. During the first few minutes of exercise, your body uses easily accessible carbohydrate calories for energy. Only after the first few minutes does your body begin to use stored fat calories for energy. If your goal is to burn fat, adjust the speed and incline of the treadmill until your heart rate is near the first or second number in your training zone. It may also be helpful to set the speed control on the console to FAT BURN to help you maintain the proper intensity level. (See page 9.)

Aerobic Exercise

If your goal is to strengthen your cardiovascular system, 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 speed and incline of the treadmill until your heart rate is near the last number in your training zone.

It may also be helpful to set the speed control on the console to AEROBIC to help you maintain the proper intensity level. (See page 9.)

High Performance Athletic Conditioning

If your goal is high performance athletic conditioning, set the speed control on the console to PERFOR-

MANCE to help you maintain the proper intensity level.

(See page 9.) Note: During the first few weeks of your exercise program, keep your heart rate near the low end of your training zone.

WORKOUT GUIDELINES

A well-rounded workout includes three phases:

Warm-up

Start each workout by warming up for 5 to 10 minutes.

Begin with slow, controlled stretches, and progress to more rhythmic stretches to increase the body temperature, heart rate, and circulation in preparation for strenuous exercise. Stretching also guards against muscle, tendon and ligament sprains.

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Training Zone Exercise

After warming up, increase the intensity of your exercise until your pulse is in your training zone for 20 to

60 minutes. (During the first few weeks of your exercise program, do not keep your pulse in your training zone for longer than 20 minutes.) Breathe regularly and deeply as you exercise—never hold your breath.

Cool-down

Finish each workout with 5 to 10 minutes of stretching to cool down. This will increase the flexibility of your muscles and will help to prevent post-exercise problems.

Exercise Frequency

To maintain or improve your condition, complete three workouts each week, with at least one day of rest between workouts. After a few months, you may complete up to five workouts each week if desired.

The key to success is to make exercise a regular and enjoyable part of your everyday life.

SUGGESTED STRETCHES

The correct form for several basic stretches is shown in the drawings below. Move slowly as you stretch—never bounce.

1. Toe Touch Stretch

Stand with your knees bent slightly and slowly bend forward from your hips. Allow your back and shoulders to relax as you reach down toward your toes as far as possible. Hold for 15 counts, then relax. Repeat 3 times. Stretches: Hamstrings, back of knees and back.

2. Hamstring Stretch

Sit with one leg extended. Bring the sole of the opposite foot toward you and rest it against the inner thigh of your extended leg. Reach toward your toes as far as possible. Hold for 15 counts, then relax. Repeat 3 times for both legs. Stretches:

Hamstrings, lower back and groin.

3. Calf/Achilles Stretch

With one leg in front of the other, reach forward and place your hands against a wall. Keep your back leg straight and your back foot flat on the floor. Bend your front leg, lean forward and move your hips toward the wall. Hold for 15 counts, then relax.

Repeat 3 times for both legs. To cause further stretching of the achilles tendons, bend your back leg as well. Stretches:

Calves, achilles tendons and ankles.

4. Quadriceps Stretch

With one hand against a wall for balance, reach back and grasp one foot with your other hand. Bring your heel as close to your buttocks as possible. Hold for 15 counts, then relax.

Repeat 3 times for both legs. Stretches: Quadriceps and hip muscles.

5. Inner Thigh Stretch

Sit with the soles of your feet together and your knees outward.

Pull your feet toward your groin area as far as possible. Hold for 15 counts, then relax. Repeat 3 times. Stretches:

Quadriceps and hip muscles.

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