Aerobic Exercises 

The cardiovascular portion of the exercise session is generally conducted in a walking, walk/jog, 

jogging, or running modality.  The majority of training facilities will have access to a track or field 

where the cardiovascular portion of the exercise session can be administered.  

Where facilities exist with additional indoor modalities such as stationary ergometers, cross 

county ski simulators, rowing machines, elliptical trainers, etc., additional cardiovascular workouts 

can be prescribed based on individual needs.  

In some cases, a walking and stationary ergometer program may be more beneficial than a 

walking only program.  Additionally, a non weight bearing activity can be prescribed based on 

past history of injuries/surgeries or as an adjunct activity in combination with a weight bearing 

activity.  Even in the case of trainees who may be excellent runners, a cross training approach 

may improve overall fitness to a greater degree than running only.   

The instructors should attempt to guide trainees to individually monitor the intensity and duration 

of their cardiovascular exercise programs.  Following initial assessment, trainees can be 

categorized into several small exercising groups utilizing a walking format for the less fit trainees 

and progressing through to more demanding running groups.   

Following a 3 5 minute progressive warm up each trainee should exercise at a training heart rate 

between 60 80% of intensity, depending on initial level of fitness.  (Please see Appendix C, 

Calculation of Training Heart Rate.)  Heart rate should be monitored 2 3 times during the 

cardiovascular segment maintaining target heart rate range.  A large display clock centered in the 

exercise area will support the concept of the importance of maintaining a prescribed training 

intensity.   

Eventually, heart rate monitoring can be reduced in frequency once a trainee adjusts to the 

appropriate training intensity based on judgment, experience and knowledge of the rating of 

perceived exertion scale.  (Please see Appendix D, Rating of Perceived Exertion.)  In general, a 

rating of perceived exertion of 13 15 (somewhat hard to hard) is suggested for the majority of 

trainees to maintain a training intensity of 60 80% of maximum. 

The duration of exercise is dependent on the initial fitness level and history of exercise training 

prior to entrance to the core course.  Generally, the group of trainees who have low 

cardiovascular fitness should attempt to complete 30 45 minutes of cardiovascular activity 

utilizing a combination of weight bearing and non weight bearing activities to avoid lower 

extremity injuries.