LeMond g-force RT - Manual (Page 25)

25
5 GUIDELINES FOR AN EFFECTIVE EXERCISE PROGRAM
Guidelines for Exercising on the g•force RT
Warming Up
A good warm-up is one of the most important and most frequently overlooked part of an exercise regi-
men. Without a proper warm-up, the muscles of the body are far more prone to injury. A good warm-up
prepares the body for the stress you will place your muscles under during your workout and will de-
crease your chances of becoming injured. Muscles perform better when they are warmer than normal
body temperature. Always take the time to warm-up properly. It will decrease the discomfort during
exercise and will help you get the most out of your workout.
While a 5 to 10 minute warm-up is adequate for some people, others may need a longer warm-up period
to be physiologically ready for intense efforts. Because different people have different requirements for
an adequate warm-up, the workouts in the
g•force RT , do not include a specific warm-up segment.
This allows you to warm up for a period of time and at a resistance level that is appropriate for you.
Take the time to learn what your personal requirements are for warming up. Pedal slowly and at a low
resistance at first, gradually increasing your pedal speed until you feel the muscles in your legs begin to
relax. Slowly increase your heart rate to about 110-120 beats per minute. Once you have warmed up
sufficiently, begin your workout. Your workout will be more enjoyable and more productive
Frequency
How often should you exercise? The number of times per week that you engage in aerobic exercise
depends largely on what your goals are and your current fitness level. People new to an active lifestyle
are more likely to keep with it if they start gradually. Beginners might consider a weekly schedule that
includes days off. Seasoned athletes may workout almost every day, but even these athletes know that
easy days are essential for muscular and mental recovery. Work towards a goal of including exercise at
least 3 to 5 days per week.
Intensity
How hard should you exercise? Again, the intensity of your workout will reflect your goals and your
current fitness level. To achieve the greatest cardiovascular benefit, and to see the most improvement in
weight loss and physical tone, you must raise your heart rate into your target zone. Your target zone is
generally between 55 to 85% of your maximum heart rate. Training in this zone is what is referred to by
exercise scientists as ‘aerobic exercise’. The CONSTANT HR program in the
g•force RT is programmed
to help you exercise in the middle of this zone by maintaining your heart rate at 70% of you maximum
heart rate.