Heart Rate programs
Before we get started, a word about Heart Rate:
The old motto, “no pain, no gain”, is a myth that has been overpowered by the benefits of exercising
comfortably. A great deal of this success has been promoted by the use of heart rate monitors. With the
proper use of a heart rate monitor, many people find that their usual choice of exercise intensity was either
too high or too low and exercise is much more enjoyable by maintaining their heart rate in the desired benefit
range.
To determine the benefit range in which you wish to train, you must first determine your Maximum Heart
Rate. This can be accomplished by using the following formula: 220 minus your age. This will give you the
Maximum heart rate (MHR) for someone of your age. To determine the effective heart rate range for specific
goals you simply calculate a percentage your MHR. Your Heart rate training zone is 50% to 90% of your
maximum heart rate. 60% of your MHR is the zone that burns fat while 80% is for strengthening the cardio
vascular system. This 60% to 80% is the zone to stay in for maximum benefit.
For someone who is 40 years old their target
heart rate zone is calculated:
220 – 40 = 180 (maximum heart rate)
180 x .6 = 108 beats per minute (60% of
maximum)
180 X .8 = 144 beats per minute (80% of
maximum)
So for a 40 year old the training zone would
be 108 to 144 beats per minute.
If you enter your age during programming
the console will perform this calculation
automatically. Entering your age is used for
the Heart Rate control programs and also for
the Heart rate bar graph. After calculating
your Maximum Heart Rate you can decide
upon which goal you would like to pursue.
The two most popular reasons for, or goals, of exercise are cardiovascular fitness (training for the heart and
lungs) and weight control. The black columns on the chart below represent the Maximum Heart Rate for a
person whose age is listed at the bottom of each column. The training heart rate, for either cardiovascular
fitness or weight loss, is represented by two different lines that cut diagonally through the chart. A definition
of the lines’ goal is in the bottom left-hand corner of the chart. If your goal is cardiovascular fitness or if it is
weight loss, it can be achieved by training at 80% or 60%, respectively, of your Maximum Heart Rate on a
schedule approved by your physician. Consult your physician before participating in any exercise program.
With all Heart Rate Control elliptical machines you may use the heart rate monitor feature without using the
Heart Rate Control program. This function can be used during manual mode or during any of the nine different
programs. The Heart Rate Control program automatically controls resistance at the pedals.
