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manual abstract
After a few weeks, you can occasionally incorporate Zone 3 and Zone 4 intensities for short periods of time. Remember, when you begin to incorporate Zone 3 and Zone 4 intensities, you will find that you will likely have to drop down to Zone 1 intensities shortly thereafter as brief recovery periods. For variety, you can spend a little bit of time in each of the four Zones during one workout, and then spend your time in just one Zone during the next workout. Prenatal woman should always remain at Zone 1 and Zone 2 intensities, and anyone unaware of their current medical condition should also avoid Zone 3 and Zone 4 without prior clearance from their doctor. These Zones can be translated into target heart rate numbers if your home fitness product has a grip or telemetric heart rate counter. Research has 29 shown the best way to do this is not to establish heart rate numbers based upon age, but rather based upon how you feel. The following chart will allow you to log your heart rate numbers based upon how you feel when working out. Simply log the heart rate numbers you find when you feel you are working at each of the specific intensities. A. Zone Description Your Heart Rate Approximate Percentage of Maximum Heart Rate 1 Easy Warm-Up Cool-down Insert the heart rate you get when you are working in Zone 1 50%-65% 2 Challenging, but comfortable Steady endurance pace Insert the heart rate you get when you are working in Zone 2 65%-75% 3 Challenging and uncomfortable Race pace Insert the heart rate you get when you are working in Zone 3 75%-85% 4 Breathless Not maximum, but winded Can’t keep the pace for very long Insert the heart rate you get when you are working in Zone 4 85%-95% As you get in better shape, the heart rate number you obtain for each zone will get higher and higher, which means your heart is able to handle higher intensities. Or you may find that your numbers don’t change, but you are able to stay in Zone 3 and Zone 4 longer than you used to. Don’t get too attached to any specific number or target heart rate. If you train properly, you will notice numbers that used to be difficult have now become easier. You will also notice that if you are sick or over-tired, you may find that numbers that usually feel fairly easy are one day much harder, and it is a good sign to take a break. If you notice that numbers that are usually very challenging are one day fairly easy, then it is a good time to push yourself. Listening to your body, and using your heart rate numbers (when available) will enable you to keep track of your intensity and see your progress as you train. FITNESS 30 FITNESS GUIDE BEATING THE DROPOUT ODDS The Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health summarizes a few main points: 1. Regular physical activity offers substantial improvements in health and well-being for a majority of Americans. 2. If you exercise regularly, you’ll reduce your risk of heart attack, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and even the common cold. 3. Regular exercise, regardless of the intensity, can help you control stress, sleep problems and depression. The benefits of exercise and activity are AMAZING! And yet, only 22 percent of Americans engage in exercise for 20 minutes a day. And even among individuals who begin exercise programs, the dropout rate is about 50 percent. So, how do you beat these odds? The answer appears to be in how your start and maintain your exercise program as well as how you create a habit of exercise. Why are you starting an exercise program? For most individuals, it is to lose weight and look better, which are great reasons. However, since changes in your body shape and size can be gradual, and won’t happen overnight, it is important to focus on other benefits so that you will remain motivated. Thrive on the energy that exercise gives you. Watch your health risks scores go down. Pay attention to how much easier everyday activity is. Notice how much better you are sleeping. These kind of additional benefits will continue to keep you motivated if you make them just as important to you as weight loss. Additionally, try not to view exercise as punishment. Look at it as an investment in your health. If you don’t feel motivated to workout one day, think of something that is appealing to you that is active, and change your workout. Try not to let your workout become routine or mundane, and always remember that some exercise is better than none at all. So, if you feel you are not motivated to continue, stop your workout early, or skip a day. It just might be the thing you need to get you excited about your next workout. Possibly the most important thing is to keep progressing your exercise program slowly. Big increases in time or intensity can set you up for injury, and cause you to drop out. Unless you are a world-class athlete, there is no reason to workout at world-class levels. Remember to give yourself some days off and get proper rest. Finally, try to anticipate l...
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