25
The target is not a magic number, but a general guide. If you’re above average fitness, you may work quite
comfortably a little above that suggested for your age group.
The following table is a guide to those who are keeping fit. Here we are working at about 80% of
maximum.
Age
25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65
Target heart Rate
10
Second
Count 26 26 25 24 23 22 22 21 20
Beats
per
Minute
156 156 150 144 138 132 132 126 120
Don’t push yourself too hard to reach the figures on this table. It can be very uncomfortable if you overdo it.
Let it happen naturally as you work through your program. Remember, the target is a guide, not a rule, a
little above or below is just fine.
Two final comments:(1) don’t be concerned with day to day variations in your pulse rate, being under
pressure or not enough sleep can affect it;(2) your pulse rate is a guide, don’t become a slave to it.
Muscle Soreness
For the first week or so, this may be the only indication you have that you are on an exercise program. This,
of course, does depend on your overall fitness level. A confirmation that you are on the correct program is a
very slight soreness in most major muscle groups. This is quite normal and will disappear in a matter of
days.
If you experience major discomfort, you may be on a program that is too advanced or you have increased
your program too rapidly.
If you experience PAIN during or after exercise, your body is telling your something.
Stop exercising and consult your doctor.
What to Wear
Wear clothing that will not restrict your movement in any way while exercising. Clothes should be light
enough to allow the body to cool. Excessive clothing that causes you to perspire more than you normally
would while exercising, gives you no advantage. The extra weight you lose is body fluid and will be
replaced with the next glass of water you drink. It is advisable to wear a pair of gym or running shoes or
“sneakers”.
Breathing during Exercise
Do not hold your breath while exercising. Breathe normally as much as possible. Remember, breathing
involves the intake and distribution of oxygen, which feeds the working muscles.
Rest periods
Once you start your exercise program, you should continue through to the end. Do not break off halfway
through and then restart at the same place later on without going through the warm-up stage again.
The rest period required between strength training exercises may vary from person to person. This will
depend mostly on your level of fitness and the program you have chosen. Rest between exercises by all
means, but do not allow this to exceed two minutes. Most people manage with half minute to one minute rest
periods
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