This is the starting point of any training program. Base training is slow, easy, fun. It is the lower three zones; endurance training is the same as basic training. The purpose of spending time in the first branch is to develop your cardiovascular endurance to the point that you can easily sustain a workout without a great deal of fatigue and muscle soreness. The base endurance branch is a great place to hang out because it’s so easy and relaxing with no pressure – just simply time in the low zones.
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY OF BRANCH 1
Frequency per week: 3-5 workouts *
Time: 15-30 minutes per workout**
Period: 2-4 weeks
Heart Zones: Z1 through Z3
Benefits: Comfortable, sustained, steady-state exercise
There’s a reason to hang out on each of the branches. While you are spending time on the branch, change occurs. In exercise science, this change is referred to as “adaptation”. Adaptation is a response process in which change occurs. On each of the five different branches, there is a different response because as the stress increases, the adaptation to that stress occurs. As you progress through each of the branches, look for the explanation of the physiological changes which occur. The explanation above – Exercise Physiology of Branch 1 – should help you to understand this better.
More to come ..
Keep your eyes peeled as we continue to release excerpts throughout upcoming weeks. If you want to read the entire book, make sure to swing by our online store and grab a copy: The Heart Rate Monitor Guidebook.