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).

2
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.

4

5
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.

7
•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

8
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

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INSTRUCTIONS DE TERRE
L’exerciseur de marche Life Fitness 8500 DOIT être mis à la terre correctement
pour assurer un fonctionnement sans danger. En cas de mauvais fonctionnement, la
mise à la terre assure un parcours de moindre résistance pour le courant électrique,
ce qui réduit les risques de secousse électrique pour la personne qui touche ou qui
utilise l’appareil. Chaque unité est munie d’un cordon électrique, d’un fil de terre et
d’une fiche de terre. L’unité doit être branchée dans une prise de courant adéquate.
La prise doit être correctement installée et mise à la terre conformément aux codes
et aux règlements locaux.
Utilisez un adaptateur temporaire pour brancher la fiche à une prise de courant à 2
pôles (É.-U. et Canada) si la prise de courant utilisée n’est pas correctement mise à
la terre. Cette mesure n’est que provisoire; il est nécessaire qu’un électricien
qualifié installe une prise adéquate, correctement mise à la terre.
DANGER: Une mauvaise connexion du fil de terre pourrait causer une sec-
ousse électrique. Si vous avez des doutes quant aux techniques appropriées de
mise à la terre, consultez un électricien qualifié. NE modifiez PAS la fiche qui est
comprise avec l’appareil. Si vous ne pouvez utiliser la fiche dans la prise de
courant, demandez à un électricien qualifié d’installer une prise adéquate.
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

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THE DISPLAY CONSOLE
The computerized display console is easy to use. It allows you to follow your progress
as you walk, jog or run. The Life Fitness 8500 treadmill’s on-board computer lets
you tailor your workout to your individual fitness capabilities and goals while providing
a unique means of measuring your fitness improvement from one workout to the next.
A. MESSAGE CENTER:The message center provides step-by-step instructions for
beginning your workout and displays constant feedback while you exercise. When
the rows of LED lights above the window are lit, the current measurements of those
functions are displayed (for 10 seconds on the top row and 20 seconds on the bot-
tom). To hold a constant display of the top or bottom row, press the HOLD key when
those lights are illuminated. Press HOLD again to return to alternating mode.
lINCLINE: Displays the current treadmill elevation in percentage of incline.
lTIME: Displays the elapsed time of your workout and functions as a stopwatch.
lWATTS: Shows the number of watts you are expending based on your current
speed and incline.
lDISTANCE: Shows distance traveled in miles or kilometers; at the conclusion of
your workout, the total distance traveled will be displayed.
lCALORIES / HOUR:Shows the number of calories you would burn in one hour
at your present speed and incline.
lCALORIES: Displays total calories burned.
lSPEED: Shows your speed in miles per hour or kilometers per hour.
lHEART RATE: Displays your heart rate in beats per minute when you are
wearing a Zone Trainer™heart rate chest strap (sold separately).
Display console
A
BC

13
B. PROGRAM PROFILE WINDOW:A matrix of lights in the Program Profile Window
shows your present position and upcoming terrain. The left-most column of lights
flashes and represents your current position. The remaining columns of lights show
the upcoming terrain. As your workout progresses, the lights move across the
screen from right to left. Use the numeric keypad for entering data.
C. DATA ENTRY ZONE:The Data Entry Zone is where you input all of the informa-
tion and instructions necessary to define and begin your workout. Use the numeric
keys to input information ranging from your weight to new target heart rates.
lSTART/ENTER: This key is used to begin an exercise program, to restart a
program, or to enter data. Throughout the remainder of this manual this key will
be referred to simply as the ENTER key.
lCLEAR/PAUSE: Press this key once to pause an exercise program for up to two
minutes. The striding belt stops while the program is paused. The stopwatch will
begin running and can be used to time your rest period or take your pulse. To
resume your exercise program press the ENTER key. The CLEAR/PAUSE key
(CLEAR key) may also be used to clear any input prior to pressing the ENTER
key. Double-pressing (pressing twice in quick succession) the CLEAR key during
the data entry stage will reset the programs.
lSPEED st:Pressing the st keys allows you to increase or decrease the belt
speed from 0.5 mph to 10.0 mph=, or .81 kph to 16.1 kph, in 0.1 increments. You
may change the belt speed at any time during a program.
lINCLINE st:Pressing the st keys allows you to increase or decrease the
elevation of the Life Fitness 8500 treadmill deck from 0% to 15% in .5%
increments. Incline has various functions depending on the Life Fitness program
you are working in. See individual program descriptions for incline key functions.
lFAT BURN and CARDIO: These new Life Fitness heart rate management
programs allow you to target your exercise program for maximum workout
efficiency: 65% and 80% of your theoretical maximum heart rate, respectively.
You can toggle between the two programs at any time during your workout.
lHOLD (0): Allows you to freeze either the top or bottom row of feedback in the
message center until the HOLD button is pushed again.
= 0.5 mph to 12.0 mph (.81 kph to 19.3 kph) on the 220 volt version
ENGLISH/METRIC DEFAULT SETTING TOGGLE
The default setting of the Life Fitness 8500 Treadmill Display Console is set to english units of
measure at the factory. If your Display Console will require metric units of measure it may be
necessary to change the setting from english to metric. To do this enter into the Diagnostics
Programs and proceed to Diagnostic State 4 as described below:
lStart with the Life Fitness model 8500 treadmill turned OFF at the I/O switch located
adjacent to the power cord.
lPress and hold the SPEED DOWN KEY twhile switching the I/O switch setting to ON.
All LED’s on the Display Console will light. (continue)

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IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE - THE STOP KEY
Before working out, insert the STOP KEY in the slot located in the front
middle of the accessory tray below the display console. If you become
dizzy or faint while exercising on your Life Fitness 8500 treadmill, pull
the stop key out to immediately stop the striding belt.
DIRECTIVES DE SÉCURITÉ IMPORTANTES - CLÉ D’ARRÊT
Avant de commencer votre entraînement, insérez la CLÉ D’ARRÊT plate
dans la fente appropriée située au centre de la face avant du plateau
d’accessoires, juste sous la console d’affichage. Si vous avez des étour
dissements, tirez sur la clé d’arrêt pour mettre l’appareil hors fonction.
lPress ENTER four (4) times to scroll through the Diagnostic Modes and enter the
Software Version / Language default settings. The display console will now show a series
of numbers and letters.
For example, the Display will read 2.9EE1.2.9 Software Version
EEnglish Measurement (miles)
“ M “ would designate Metric
Measurement (kilometers)
EEnglish Language
1120V
lPress ENTER a fifth time and “ UNITS ” appears in the Display readout. Pressing the
SPEED UP sKEY enables you to change the unit of measure from ENGLISH/ENGLISH
to ENGLISH/METRIC. Pressing the SPEED DOWN KEY tenables you to change
the unit from ENGLISH/METRIC to ENGLISH/ENGLISH. Press the CLEAR key one
(1) time to verify the default after you have chosen a setting.
lContinue to press the CLEAR/PAUSE key to scroll backwards through the
Diagnostics and return to normal operation.
POWER SAFETY SWITCH
The POWER SAFETY SWITCH is one of the many safety features
of the Life Fitness 9500HR treadmill. This allows you to be certain
the treadmill is used only in a supervised manner. Removing the
Key from the Switch mechanically locks the Switch in the OFF
position.
The Switch Key should be removed while you are not using the
treadmill to avoid unauthorized persons from doing so.
Remember to store the Switch Key out of the reach of children.
WARNING: REMOVE POWER SWITCH SAFETY KEY WHEN NOT IN USE
AND STORE OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
MISE EN GRADE: RETIREZ LA CLÊ D’ALIMENTATION LORSQUE L’APPAREIL
N’EST PAS UTILISÊ. RANGEZ LA CLÊ HORS DE LA PORTÊE DES ENFANTS.

15
HEART RATE TRAINING™
Research shows that exercising within a specific heart rate range is the optimal way
to both monitor your exercise intensity and achieve maximum results. That’s the idea
behind the Life Fitness Heart Rate Zone Training approach to exercise.
If your primary goal is to burn fat, you should exercise at a level between 60% and
75% of your theoretical maximum heart rate (defined by the American College of
Sports Medicine’s “Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription” as 220 minus
your age). If you wish to improve your cardiovascular condition, you should work out
at 75% to 85% of your theoretical maximum heart rate.
Example: If you are 30 years old, your theoretical maximum heart rate is
220 - 30 (your age) = 190 beats per minute (bpm).
If your primary goal is to burn fat:
Multiply 190 x .60 = 114 bpm (the low end of your target heart rate zone)
Multiply 190 x .75 = 143 bpm (the high end of your target heart rate zone)
If your primary goal is to improve your cardiovascular fitness:
Multiply 190 x .75 = 143 bpm (the low end of your target heart rate zone)
Multiply 190 x .85 = 162 bpm (the high end of your target heart rate zone)
Heart Rate Zone Training chart
*Telemetry heart rate monitoring is optional and requires the Zone Trainer or similar chest strap and
heart rate receiver, both sold separately.

16
HOW TO USE THE ZONE TRAINER®
HEART RATE MONITOR CHEST STRAP
Wet the electrodes of the transmitter (the two grooved surfaces on the underside of
the strap) and secure the strap as high under the chest muscles as possible. The
strap should be snug, but comfortable enough to allow for normal breathing.
The transmitter strap will deliver an optimum heart rate reading when the electrodes
are directly in contact with bare skin. It will also, however, function properly through
wet, lightweight clothing. The key is for the electrodes to remain wet so that they
can pick up the electrical impulses of the heart and transmit them to the receiver.
If it becomes necessary to remoisten the chest strap transmitter, grasp the center of
the strap, pull it away from the chest to expose the two electrodes, then moisten
them in this position.
Zone Trainer chest strap

17
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
& PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
Selecting a workout program on your Life Fitness aerobic trainer is easy. Nine
computerized aerobic workout programs, including the Heart Rate Zone Training
programs, are pre-programmed on your Life Fitness 8500 treadmill:
HILL RANDOM MANUAL
30-MINUTE WALK 3-MILE JOG 45-MINUTE CROSS-TRAIN
FIT TEST CARDIO*FAT BURN*
HILL is an interval training workout consisting of a warm-up period followed by a
plateau of constant effort, progressively more difficult levels of effort – hills –
separated by periods of recovery – valleys – and a cool-down period.
RANDOM is a program of varying effort levels which occur randomly with each
exercise session, resulting in more than one million workout combinations.
MANUAL maintains aconstanteffort level based on goalsthat you select.
FIT TEST is a way of measuring your aerobic fitness level compared to others of
the same age and gender.
30-MINUTE WALK allows you to select speeds between 2 and 4.5 MPH, begins
with a 3-minute warm-up and ends with a 2-minute cool-down with varying speeds
and inclines in between.
3-MILE JOG lets you select speeds between 4 and 7 MPH, begins with a 3-minute
warm-up and ends with a 2-minute cool-down with varying speeds and inclines in
between.
45-MINUTE CROSS-TRAIN is a combination of the 30-minute walk and 3-mile jog
programs. You just select a jogging speed and a walking speed, and the on-board
computer automatically switches between the two at preset intervals.
FAT BURN is a Heart Rate Zone Training program designed to burn an optimum
amount of calories from fat by using heart rate telemetry to maintain a target heart
rate of 65%.*
CARDIO is a Heart Rate Zone Training program designed to increase cardiovascu-
lar fitness by using heart rate telemetry to maintain a target heart rate of 80%.*
* Both the Fat Burn and Cardio programs require the Zone Trainer or similar chest strap and heart
rate receiver, both sold separately.

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TOBEGIN ANY WORKOUT ON THE LIFE FITNESS 8500 TREADMILL:
lPress the ENTER key.
lThe message center will ask you to select a program using the st keys. Press
either the speed or incline st keys until the exercise program you want is
displayed, then press ENTER or wait five seconds for your program choice to be
automatically entered.
lThe console will prompt you to enter your weight; use the keypad to enter your
weight and press the ENTER key.
lQUICK START – To get right into a Life Fitness 8500 treadmill workout, simply
press START, key in your weight and press ENTER, and select your speed by
either using the speed st key or entering a speed via the numeric keypad.
CAUTION: In all programs, the striding belt will begin moving at .5 MPH
or .8 KPH while you are selecting your speed with the speed st key.
ATTENTION : La courroie commence à tourner dès que vous actionnez
une des touches de vitesse.
HILL PROGRAM
lAfter selecting a Hill workout, you will be asked to enter your desired workout
time in minutes. Enter a number from 1-90 minutes using the numeric keypad
and press ENTER.
lAfter selecting a workout duration, you will be prompted to choose an incline
level. Select an incline level using the numeric keypad, then press ENTER. You
will be requested to select a belt speed by either using the speed st key or by
keying in a speed directly via the numeric keypad.
lUse the numeric keypad to change levels. The incline st key will raise or
lower the incline percentage until you encounter the next hill.
You’re ready to go! Now just begin striding at the pace of the belt!

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The Life Fitness 8500 treadmill's patented Hill program offers the ideal configuration
for interval training: periods of intense aerobic activity separated by regular intervals
of lower-intensity exercise. The computerized interval training program has
been scientifically demonstrated to yield greater cardiorespiratory improvement than
steady-pace training.
Not only does the Hill program offer the challenge of alternating periods of high and
low intensity, but the levels of intensity become progressively more difficult during the
course of the program.
The longer the Hill program you choose, the longer the amount of time spent on top
of a hill and at the bottom of a valley. As a result, you may find two 12-minute programs
easier than the 24-minute program because the hill climbing portion is shorter.
The Hill diagram below shows the effort level and recovery periods encountered dur-
ing a Hill workout. Effort and recovery periods are simulated on the display console
by columns of lights in the Program Profile window. The columns move from right to
left during the workout. The higher the column, the higher the incline; consequently,
you must increase your effort.
Hill Profile diagram

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Each Hill program session comprises the following phases:
(1) Warm-up, (2) Plateau, (3) Interval Training, and (4) Cool-down.
lWarm-up: Gradually brings your heart rate into the lower portion of your target
heart rate zone, increasing respiration and blood flow to working muscles.
lPlateau: Increases your heart rate so that it is within your target zone. Check
your pulse at the end of the plateau period to ensure that you have entered your
target heart rate zone.
lInterval Training: A series of hills and valleys. During this portion of your work-
out, you are confronted with four successively steeper hills, each separated from
the next by a valley or recovery period. Check your heart rate at the end of the
interval training period to ensure that you have stayed within your target zone.
lCool-down: The cool-down allows your body to begin removing accumulated
by-products of exercise, such as lactic acid, which builds up in muscles during
your workout and contributes to muscle soreness.
HEART RATE CHECK POINTS:
For Fat Burning:
4First Heart Rate Check Point — Your heart rate should be between 60%
and 70% of the theoretical maximum heart rate for your age category.
4Second Heart Rate Check Point — Your heart rate should be between
70% and 75% of the theoretical maximum heart rate for your age category.
For Cardio:
4First Heart Rate Check Point — Your heart rate should be between 75%
and 80% of the theoretical maximum for your age category.
4Second Heart Rate Check Point — Your heart rate should be between
80% and 85% of the theoretical maximum for your age category.
Heart Rate Check Points: Check your heart rate near the end of the
plateau period and at the end of the interval training period. You might
want to press the PAUSE key and then check your heart rate. The treadmill
will pause for up to two minutes. You should always take your pulse at the
times indicated to make sure you are staying within your personal target
heart rate zone.