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to ponder more solvable dilemmas, like how you can get your boss off your

back. You may even want to keep a tape recorder handy, in case a flash of

brilliance comes along.

Monitor your heart rate ....................................................................

To keep yourself occupied, use a heart-rate monitor to create an interval pro-

gram. For instance, after warming up, alternate five minutes at the low end of

your target zone with five minutes at the high end. (If all this talk about moni-

tors, intervals, and target zones is complete gibberish to you, read Chapter 8.)

Many machines have heart-rate monitors built into them. Your heart rate

registers when you grasp the handles. Or, you can wear a strap around your

chest; the machine picks up the signal from the strap and beams it to the

console so that your heart rate is displayed right alongside your speed and

distance. The strap is more accurate than the handles, but you do have to

bring your own heart-rate-monitor chest strap from home, if your gym doesn’t

provide them. Chapter 8 includes tips on buying a heart-rate monitor.

Talk to a friend ...................................................................................

Some people think that if they’re able to speak while exercising, they must

not be working hard enough to do their body any good. As we explain in

Chapter 8, that’s not true. In general, your breathing should be light enough

so that you can hold up your end of a conversation.

One health club in L.A. has started a book club. Members of the “Brains and

Brawn” workout group do their reading at home and then convene on the

treadmills and stair-climbers to discuss the latest murder mystery or popular

novel. (Tolstoy and Dickens aren’t popular in this book club.)

Exercising in the Great Indoors .................................................................

Most exercisers have a favorite cardio machine and one that they probably

can’t stand. Some people find the treadmill invigorating; others consider it

more tedious than peeling potatoes. We suggest you try all the machines at

your gym or at an equipment store before you buy one. No single cardio

machine is better than the rest. What matters most is how often you use

the thing.

No matter what machine you use, always keep a water bottle and a towel

within reach. Many gym machines have water bottle holders, and you can

buy them cheaply for your home equipment. Also, stay tuned to how your

132 Part III: Getting to the Heart of the Matter