For Your Health

[99Dan]

Running or jogging at my age can be rough on the knees. I've learned that I can get the heart rate up plenty by walking a good speed and then increasing the incline. In other words same calories burned and same good cardiovascular conditioning but less wear and tear on the body joints.

I have to go to my cardiologist annually for a treadmill test and he gives me a readout of the test results. So for anyone interested here is what you need to do as a minimum to pass the treadmill test:

First 3 minutes at speed 1.7 mph, incline 10%
Second 3 minutes at speed 2.5 mph, incline 12%
Third 3 minutes at speed 3.4 mph, incline 14%

By that time most people have their heart rate at max or close to it. The last time I went the doc had me do one additional minute at the next level which is 4.2 mph and 16% incline. That was really pushing it for me but I made it.

So, the reason I work out so much on the treadmill is so that I can pass that test.

I'm sure a young and healthy person could do more but I do have some artery restriction so I'm happy I can do that much.

Dan