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9 HEART RATE ZONE TRAINING
®
EXERCISE
9.1 WHY HEART RATE ZONE TRAINING
®
EXERCISE?
Research shows that maintaining a specific heart rate while exercising is the optimal way to
monitor the intensity of a workout and to achieve maximum results. That is the idea behind the
Life Fitness Heart Rate Zone Training
®
approach to exercise. Zone Training identifies an
exerciser's ideal heart rate range, or zone, for burning fat or increasing cardiovascular fitness.
The zone is a percentage of the theoretical maximum (HRmax), and its value depends on the
workout. This Life Fitness Treadmill features two exclusive workouts designed to take full
advantage of the benefits of Heart Rate Zone Training+ exercise:
• FAT BURN • CARDIO
Each workout offers different benefits, as discussed in Workout Overviews.
Note: Consulting a fitness trainer is recommended for defining specific fitness goals and
designing a workout program.
To change the target heart rate during a workout, simply enter a new target heart rate using
the NUMERIC keypad. To switch between programs during a workout, use the WORKOUT
SELECTION keys. The Heart Rate Zone Training
®
workout programs measure heart rate.
Wear the telemetry chest strap, or grip the Lifepulse
TM
sensors, to enable the treadmill’s
on-board computer to monitor the heart rate during a workout. The computer automatically
adjusts the incline level to maintain the target heart rate based on the actual heart rate.
THE HEART RATE TELEMETRY CHEST STRAP
The console is equipped with a wireless heart rate monitoring system in which electrodes, pressed against the skin, trans-
fer heart rate signals from the user to the console. The electrodes are inside the chest strap (A) that the user wears during
the workout. The transmitter strap delivers an optimal heart rate reading when the electrodes are in direct contact with the
skin, or a thin layer of wet clothing. The electrodes are two grooved surfaces on the underside of the strap, and must
remain wet to accurately transmit the electrical impulses of the heart back to the receiver. To use, first moisten the elec-
trodes. Then, secure the strap as high under the chest muscles as possible. The strap should be snug, but comfortable
enough to allow for normal breathing. Electrodes must be wet to work properly. If it becomes necessary to re-moisten,
grasp the center of the strap, pull it away from your chest to expose the electrodes, and moisten. See diagram below for
correct positioning of the strap.
Note: Using the wireless chest strap will provide more accurate heart rate readings than the hand pulse sensors.
Note: To ensure the highest performance, use the wireless chest strap that was provided with the product.
CONTACT HEART RATE
When using Contact Heart Rate make certain to grasp sensors firmly and keep hands still. If heart rate seems substantial-
ly higher or lower than expected, remove hands from sensors until heart rate disappears. Dry hands and grasp sensors
again until heart rate seems accurate. If this does not work you may need to slow the machine to get an accurate reading.
Life Fitness recommends for safety and accurate heart rate readings that the user stand on the side rails when attempting
to monitor heart rate with contact electrodes.
Note: The contact heart rate system may be less or more accurate with different individuals.
