THE FOUR BASIC TYPES OF WORKOUTS
Muscle Building
The only way to increase the size and strength of 
your muscles is to push them to a high percentage of 
their capacity. As you progressively increase the 
intensity of your exercise, your muscles will continually adapt and grow. You can tailor each exercise to the 
proper intensity level in two ways: 
• by changing the amount of weight used
• by changing the number of repetitions or sets per-
formed (A “repetition” is one complete cycle of an 
exercise, such as one sit-up. A“set” is a series of 
repetitions). 
The proper amount of weight for each exercise 
depends upon the individual user. You must gauge 
your limits and select the amount of weight that is 
right for you. Begin with 3 sets of 8 repetitions for 
each exercise you perform. Rest for 3 minutes after 
each set. When you can complete 3 sets of 12 repetitions without difficulty, increase the amount of weight. 
Toning
You can tone your muscles by pushing them to a 
moderate percentage of their capacity. Select a moderate amount of weight and increase the number of 
repetitions in each set. Complete as many sets of 15 
to 20 repetitions as possible without discomfort. Rest 
for 1 minute after each set. Work your muscles by 
completing more sets rather than by using high 
amounts of weight. 
Weight Loss
To lose weight, use a low amount of weight and 
increase the number of repetitions in each set. 
Exercise for 20 to 30 minutes, resting for a maximum 
of 30 seconds between sets. 
Cross Training
Many people desire a complete and balanced fitness 
program. Cross training is an efficient way to accomplish this. One example of a balanced program is:
• Plan weight training workouts on Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday. 
• Plan 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, such as
cycling or swimming, on Tuesday and Thursday. 
• Rest from both weight training and aerobic exercise
for at least one full day each week to give your body
time to regenerate. 
The combination of weight training and aerobic exercise will reshape and strengthen your body and develop your heart and lungs. 
PERSONALIZING YOUR EXERCISE PROGRAM
Specifying the exact length of time for each workout, 
and the number of repetitions and sets for each exercise, is a highly individual matter. It is very important 
to avoid overdoing it during the first few months of 
your exercise program. You should progress at your 
own pace and be sensitive to your body’s signals. If 
you experience pain or dizziness at any time while 
exercising, stop immediately and begin cooling down. 
Find out what is wrong before continuing. Remember 
that adequate rest and a proper diet are important 
factors in any exercise program.
WARMING UP
Begin each workout with 5 to 10 minutes of stretching 
and light exercise to warm up. Warming up prepares 
your body for more strenuous exercise by increasing 
circulation, raising your body temperature and delivering more oxygen to your muscles.
WORKING OUT
Each workout should include 6 to 10 different exercises. Select exercises for every major muscle group 
with emphasis on the areas that you want to develop 
the most. To give balance and variety to your workouts, vary the exercises from session to session. 
Schedule your workouts for the time of day when your 
energy level is the highest. Each workout should be 
followed by at least one day of rest. Once you find the 
schedule that is right for you, stick with it. 
EXERCISE FORM
You will gain the greatest benefits from exercising by 
maintaining proper form. This requires moving 
through the full range of motion for each exercise and 
moving only the appropriate parts of the body. 
Exercising in an uncontrolled manner will leave you 
feeling exhausted. 
The repetitions in each set should be performed 
smoothly and without pausing. The exertion stage of 
each repetition should last only about half as long as 
the return stage. Proper breathing is important. 
Exhale during the exertion stage of each repetition 
and inhale during the return stroke. Never hold your 
breath. 
Exercise Guidelines
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