Life Fitness Exercise Bike Lifecycle 8500 User manual

Corporate Headquarters
10601 West Belmont Avenue
Franklin Park, Illinois 60131
U.S.A.
[phone] • FAX: [phone]
[phone] (Toll Free within the U.S. and Canada)
EUROPEAN OFFICES
Life Fitness Atlantic BV Life Fitness GmbH
Atlantic Headquarters Siemenstrasse 3
Columbusstraat 25 85716 Unterschleissheim
3165 AC Rotterdam GERMANY
THE NETHERLANDS Telephone: [phone]
Telephone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Life Fitness UK Ltd Life Fitness BeNeLux NV
Queen Adelaide Lambrechtshoekenlaan 309-311
Ely, Cambs CB7 4UB B-2170 Antwerpen-Merksem
UNITED KINGDOM BELGIUM
Telephone: [phone] Telephone: [phone]
FAX: [phone] FAX: [phone]
Life Fitness Italia S.R.L. Life Fitness Austria
Via, Elvas, 92 Schiesstattgasse 23
39042 Bressanone (BZ) A-2000 Stockerau
ITALY AUSTRIA
Telephone: [phone] Telephone: [phone]
FAX: [phone] FAX: [phone]
M051-00K45-B011
(2/96).

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YOU ARE CAUTIONED THAT ANY CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS
TO THIS EQUIPMENT COULD VOID YOUR PRODUCT WARRANTY.
MISE EN GARDE : TOUTE MODIFICATION, TOUT CHANGEMENT
APPORTÉS À L’APPAREIL PEUVENT ANNULER LA GARANTIE.
Please Note:
Before using your Life Fitness 8500 treadmill, it is essential that you read
this ENTIRE operation manual. It won’t take very long, and it will help you
set up your Life Fitness 8500 aerobic trainer quickly and use it correctly.
Prenez note :
Avant d’utiliser l’exerciseur de marche Life Fitness 8500, il est essentiel de
lire TOUT le guide de fonctionnement. Il suffit de quelques minutes pour
parcourir les directives d’assemblage de l’exerciseur Life Fitness 8500, ce
qui facilitera le montage et assurera une utilisation adéquate.
FCC Warning Possible Radio/Television Interference
NOTE: Operation of this equipment in a residential area may cause unacceptable
interference to radio and TV reception and electronically controlled health devices
requiring the operator to take whatever steps are necessary to correct or avoid such
interference. It has been type tested and found to comply with the requirements in
Part 15 of the FCC Rules for a computing device, which are designed to provide
reasonable protection against such interference. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turn-
ing the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interfer-
ence by one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna of the radio or television.
•Increase the space between the equipment and the receiver.
•Connect the equipment to an outlet on a different circuit than that to which
the receiver is connected.
•Consult an exercise equipment dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
The user can consult the radio or TV manufacturer for additional suggestions. The
user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications
Commission helpful: “How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems”.
This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,
D.C. 20204, Stock No. 004-000-00345-4. If necessary, we encourage you to seek
advice from Life Fitness Customer Support Services, Toll Free at 800-351-3737 or
847-451-0036.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Safety Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Grounding Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
The Display Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
English/Metric default Setting Toggle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Important Features -The Stop Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Power Safety Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Heart Rate Training™. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
How to Use the Zone Trainer® Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap . . . . . . . . . .16
Operating Instructions & Program Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Hill Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Random and Manual Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
30-minute Walk Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
3-mile Jog Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
45-minute Cross-train Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Fit Test Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
The Message Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Preventive Maintenance Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
How to Adjust and Tension the Striding Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
How to Obtain Product Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Life Fitness 8500 Treadmill Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
©1995,1996 Life Fitness. All rights reserved. The Life Fitness trademark is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office, Certificate No. 1,400,502, issued July 8, 1986. FlexDeck, Zone Trainer and Heart Rate Zone Training are trade-
marks of Life Fitness. Any use of these trademarks, without the express written consent of Life Fitness, is forbidden.
U.S. Patent Numbers 3,767,195 and 4,358,105.

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INTRODUCTION
Congratulations . . . and thank you for purchasing a Life Fitness 8500 treadmill.
Your new Life Fitness aerobic trainer is the most versatile treadmill ever developed,
the culmination of over 20 years of Life Fitness research, technological innovation
and engineering expertise. Life Fitness treadmills are recognized around the world as
the most popular and advanced computerized running/walking machines.
Like other Life Fitness products, the Life Fitness 8500 treadmill is designed to give
you an effective workout that is motivating and efficient. The FlexDeck™running sur-
face all but eliminates running-related injuries and the user-friendly console displays
a host of visual feedback in addition to acting as your personal “coach” with easy-to-
follow prompts and instructions.
Why use a Life Fitness treadmill? Working out with a Life Fitness 8500 treadmill
gives you more features and programs than most other aerobic trainers. The patent-
ed FlexDeck shock absorption system minimizes impact to bones, joints and mus-
cles, and its powerful motor allows for a wide range of belt speeds yet remains
incredibly quiet. Whether you want to walk, jog, or cross-train, three completely new
workouts give you the choice of working out the way you want to workout.
If you have any questions regarding the operation of your Life Fitness 8500 aerobic
trainer, please call Life Fitness Customer Support Services at [phone] or
toll free within the U.S. and Canada at [phone]. For product service in
Europe, refer to the first page of this manual and contact your nearest Life Fitness
office.
CAUTION: Life Fitness STRONGLY recommends that if you are undertaking
an exercise program you see your physician for a complete medical exam,
particularly if you have a family history of high blood pressure or heart
disease, are over the age of 45, or if you smoke, have high cholesterol, are
obese, or have not exercised regularly in the past year. If, at any time while
exercising, you feel faint, dizzy, short of breath, or pain, stop immediately.
ATTENTION: Avant d'entreprendre un programme d'exercice, Life Fitness
recommande FORTEMENT que vous consultiez un médecin afin de subir un
examen médical complet. Les personnes qui ont des antécédents de haute
pression ou de maladie cardiaque, qui ont plus de 45 ans, celles qui fument
ou les personnes qui ont un haut taux de cholestérol, qui sont obèses ou
qui n'ont pas fait régulièrement d'exercice depuis la dernière année sont
particulièrement concernées. Arrêtez immédiatement l'exercice si vous vous
sentez mal, si vous avez des étourdissements, si vous êtes essoufflé ou si
vous ressentez des douleurs.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
DANGER:To reduce the risk of electrical shock, always unplug your
life fitness 8500 treadmill before cleaning or attempting any mainte-
nance activity.
•Always follow the console instructions for proper operation.
•Never operate a Life Fitness treadmill if it has a damaged power
cord or electrical plug, or if it has been dropped, damaged, or
even partially immersed in water. Contact Life Fitness Customer
Support Services.
•Keep the power cord away from heated surfaces. Do not pull the
treadmill by the power cord or use the cord as a handle. Do not
run the power cord under or along the side of the treadmill.
•Do not use the treadmill outdoors, near swimming pools or in
areas of high humidity.
•Never operate a Life Fitness treadmill with the air openings on
the front motor housing blocked. Keep air openings free of lint,
hair or any obstructing material.
•Never insert objects into any opening in the treadmill. If an object
should drop inside, unplug the unit and carefully retrieve the
item. If you cannot reach the item, contact Life Fitness Customer
Support Services.
•Always use containers with lids. Never place liquids of any type
directly on the unit except when using the accessory tray.
•Do not use the treadmill in areas where aerosol spray products
are being used or where oxygen is being administered. Such sub
stances create the danger of combustion and explosion.
•Keep all loose clothing, shoelaces, and towels away from the
running surface and belt rollers.

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•Keep the area six feet behind the treadmill clear of any
obstructions, including walls, furniture and other equipment.
•Never mount or dismount the treadmill while the running belt is
moving. Use the handrails whenever additional stability is
required.
•Wear shoes with rubber or high traction soles. Do not use
shoes with heels, leather soles, cleats or spikes. Make sure no
stones are embedded in the soles. Do not use the treadmill in
bare feet.
•Never walk or jog backwards on the treadmill.
•To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electrical shock or personal
injury:
ïIt is imperative that you connect each treadmill to a proper-
ly grounded outlet.
ï Close adult supervision is necessary when this trainer is
used by children, invalids, or disabled persons.
ï Use this treadmill only for its intended use as described in
this manual. Use only attachments recommended by Life
Fitness.
•Do not reach into or underneath the unit, or tip it on its side
during operation.
•It is of extreme importance that you keep the front of the tread-
mill free of obstructions. There is a risk of injury as the Lift
Arm, located in the front of the treadmill, is a moving part.
Please keep all pets and small children away from the tread-
mill.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS DE SÉCURITÉ
DANGER: Afin de réduire les risques de secousse électrique,
débranchez toujours l'exerciseur de marche life fitness 8500 avant de
le nettoyer ou d'en faire l'entretien.
•Observez les directives relatives à la console afin d'assurer un bon
fonctionnement.
•N'utilisez jamais l'exerciseur de marche Life Fitness si le cordon
d'alimentation ou la fiche est endommagé, si l'appareil est tombé,
endom magé ou s'il a été immergé dans l'eau (même
partiellement). Prenez contact avec le service après-vente de Life
Fitness.
•Tenir le cordon d'alimentation à l'écart des surfaces chauffées. Ne
pas tirer l'exerciseur par le cordon d’alimentation ni utiliser le cor
don comme poignée. Ne pas passer le cordon sous l’exerciseur.
•Ne pas utiliser l’exerciseur à l’extérieur, à proximité des piscines
ou dans des lieux ou l’humidité est élevée.
•N'utilisez pas l'appareil d'exercice Life Fitness si les ouvertures
d'aération du carter de moteur sont bloquées. Enlevez les
cheveux, la peluche ou les autres matières qui pourraient obstruer
les ouvertures.
•N'introduisez jamais d'objets dans les ouvertures de l'exerciseur
de marche Life Fitness 8500. Si un objet tombait dans une des
ouvertures, débranchez l'appareil et retirez soigneusement l'objet.
Si vous ne pouvez retirer l'objet, prenez contact avec le service
après-vente de Life Fitness.
•Ne placez jamais de liquide sur l'unité.
•N'utilisez pas l'appareil Life Fitness à l'extérieur.
•Ne pas l'exerciseur dans des lieux où des produits en aérosol sont
utilisés, où on donne l’oxygéne. De telles substances provoquent
un danger de combustion et d’explosion.
•Tenez tous les vêtements, les lacets et les serviettes à l'écart des
rouleaux de la courroie et de la surface de marche de l'exerciseur
Life Fitness 9100HR.

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IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS DE SÉCURITÉ
•Placez l'exerciseur Life Fitness à six pieds de toute obstruction, y
compris les murs et les autres appareils.
•Ne jamais monter ou descendre de l'exerciseur lorsque la courroie
est en mouvement.Utiliser les mains courantes pour un meilleur
équilibre.
•Portez des chaussures avec des semelles en caoutchouc ou des
semelles qui ont une forte traction. Ne portez pas de chaussures
avec des talons, des semelles en cuir, des crampons ou des
pointes. Assurez-vous qu'aucune roche n'est coincée dans la
semelle. N'utilisez pas l'exerciseur à pieds nus.
•Ne marchez/joggez JAMAIS à reculons sur l'exerciseur.
•Pour réduire les risques de brûlure, d’incendie, de secousses élec-
triques ou de blessures.
ïIl est absolument nécessaire de brancher chaque exer-
ciseur dans une prise de courant correctement mise à la
terre.
ïaLes enfants, les handicapés ou les invalides doivent tou-
jours être sous la surveillance d’un entraîneur.
ïaL’exerciseur ne doit être utilisé qu’aux fins prévues dans le
présent guide.
ïUtliser seulement les accessoires recommandés par Life
Fitness
•Ne mettez pas la main à l'intérieur, dessous l'unité et n'inclinez
pas l'unité sur le côté lorsqu'il fonctionne.
• Il est essentiel d’éliminer tout obstacle à l’avant de l’exerciseur,
sinon il y a risque de blessure. En effet, le bâton situé à l’avant de
l’exerciseur est une piéce mobile. Tenez les animaux domestiques
et les enfants à l’écart de l’exerciseur.

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GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
For safe operation, your Life Fitness 8500 treadmill MUST be properly grounded.
Should the unit malfunction, proper grounding provides a path of least resistance for
the electric current, which reduces the risk of electrical shock to anyone touching or
using the equipment. Each unit is equipped with an electrical cord with an equip-
ment grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The unit must be plugged into an
appropriate outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with local
codes and ordinances.
A temporary adapter may be used to connect this plug to a 2-pole receptacle in the
U.S. and Canada if a properly grounded outlet is not available, but only until a
properly grounded outlet can be installed by a qualified electrician!
DANGER: Electrical shock may result from improper connection of the equip-
ment grounding conductor. Check with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt as
to proper grounding techniques. DO NOT modify the plug provided with the product.
If it does not fit your electrical outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified
electrician.
LOCATION VOLTAGE Hz AMPs
U.S., Canada, Ecuador, Costa Rica, 120/220 60/60 20/10
Guatemala, Italy, Mexico, Venezuela
United Kingdom 240 50 10
France, Germany, the Netherlands, 220 50 10
Belgium, Korea, Spain, Chile, Argentina
Brazil, Colombia 115/220 60 20/10
Australia 240 50 10
Japan 100 50/60 20
New Zealand 230 50 10