18
EXERCISE GUIDELINES
THE FOUR BASIC TYPES OF WORKOUTS
Muscle Building
T
o increase the size and strength of your muscles,
push them to a high percentage of their maximum
capacity. Your muscles will adapt and grow as you progressively increase the intensity of your exercise. You
can adjust the intensity level of an individual exercise
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 T
raining
Cross training is an efficient way to get a complete and
well-balanced fitness program. An example of a balanced program is:
• Plan strength training workouts on Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday.
• Plan 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, such as
running on a treadmill or riding an elliptical or an
exercise cycle, on Tuesday and Thursday.
• Rest from both strength training and aerobic exercise
for at least one full day each week to give your body
time to regenerate.
The combination of strength training and aerobic exercise will reshape and strengthen your body, plus develop your heart and lungs.
PERSONALISING YOUR EXERCISE PROGRAM
Determining the exact length of time for each workout,
as well as the number of repetitions or sets completed,
is an individual matter. It is 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,
emphasising areas that you want to develop 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
Maintaining proper form is an essential part of an
effective exercise program. 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. On the exercise guide accompany
ing this manual you will find photographs showing the
correct form for several exercises, and a list of the
muscles affected. Refer to the muscle chart on the
next page to find the names of the muscles.
The repetitions in each set should be performed
smoothly and without pausing. The exertion stage of
each repetition should last 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.
1. Read all instructions in this manual and all
warnings on the weight system before using
the weight system. Use the weight system
only as described in this manual.
2. It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure
that all users of the weight system are adequately informed of all precautions.
3. The weight system is intended for home use
only. Do not use the weight system in any
commercial, rental, or institutional setting.
4. Keep the weight system indoors, away from
moisture and dust. Place the weight system
on a level surface, with a mat beneath it to
protect the floor or carpet. Make sure that
there is enough clearance around the weight
system to mount, dismount, and use the
weight system.
5. This weight system has an open weight
stack; the weight stack must not be accessable from any point outside of the user’s field
of view. To prevent access to the weight
stack, place the weight system in a corner or
bay of a room, as shown in the drawing
below. There must be no more than 1 meter
(3 ft. 4 in.) of clearance between the weight
system and the adjacent walls.
6. Keep children under 12 and pets away from
the weight system at all times.
7. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
8. Inspect and properly tighten all parts regularly. Replace any worn parts immediately.
9. Make sure that the cables remain on the pulleys at all times. If the cables bind as you are
exercising, stop immediately and make sure
that the cables are on the pulleys. Replace all
cables at least every two years.
10. Always wear athletic shoes for foot protection while exercising.
11. Always stand on the foot plate when performing an exercise that could cause the
weight system to tip.
12. The weight system is designed to support a
maximum user weight of 135 kg (300 lbs.).
13. The weight system is designed to be used
only with the included weight. Do not use the
weight system with dumbbells or any other
type of weight to increase the resistance.
14. Always move the seat frame out of the way
when performing squat exercises.
15. Never release the ankle strap, leg lever,
squat bar, leg press, or handles while
weights are raised; the weights will fall with
great force.
16.
Do not use the weight system with the top
weight pinned in an elevated position.
17.
Always secure the weight stack with the lock
pin and lock after exercising to prevent
unauthorised use of the weight system (see
LOCKING THE WEIGHT ST
ACK on page 15).
18. If you feel pain or dizziness at any time while
exercising, stop immediately and begin cooling down.
WARNING:Before beginning this or any exercise program, consult your physician. This
is especially important for persons over the age of 35 or persons with pre-existing health problems.
Read all instructions before using. ICON assumes no responsibility for personal injury or property
damage sustained by or through the use of this product.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious injury, read the following important precautions
before using the weight system.
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
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