True Fitness 400 Series User manual

400 Series
Owner’s Manual
RESIDENTIAL TREADMILL
Manual/Pre-Program/Heart Rate Control

In 1981, Frank
Trulaske launched
True Fitness
Technology, Inc.
and began
manufacturing
hand-crafted
treadmills.
His team's
obsession
with quality
has
propelled
True to the
top of the industry and has
created one of America’s
oldest, largest and most
respected treadmill
manufacturers. True’s
200,000 square foot facility,
just outside St. Louis,
Missouri, houses the
manufacturing plant,
engineering laboratory and
testing facility.
Over the years, True has
designed, developed and
fabricated new and
cutting-edge components
for their complete
residential and commercial
treadmill line, including
innovative frame and
suspension systems.
Intensive quality
control standards
guarantee
excellence in
every phase of
production,
resulting in the
finest treadmills
available
in the
market-
place.
True
treadmills
are consistently rated
#1 for their smooth,
quiet and comfortable
performance. Today,
True is the choice for
workouts among
beginners, rehab
patients and top
athletes world-wide.
Thank You For Selecting A True Treadmill
Our original goal was to build the
world’s best treadmills, and today
we believe we’re doing it!”
-Frank Trulaske
NOTE: The serial number
must remain intact for
the warranty to remain
valid. Please check your
serial #ID to verify it has
not been tampered with,
removed or altered.

Table of Contents
Safety Instructions 1-2
Setting Up Your Treadmill 3-4
Assembly 5-6
Treadbelt Adjustment 7-8
Control Panel Functions 9
Basic Treadmill Operation 10-11
Quick Reference Operating Instr. 12
Manual Operation 13
Programmed Workouts 14-15
User Programs 16
Heart Rate Control (workouts) 17-20
Cruise Control 21-22
Important Points About Heart
Rate Control 23-24
The F.I.T. Formula 25-29
Beginning Your Exercise Program 30-32
Care and Maintenance 33-34
Troubleshooting Guide 35
Diagnostics 36-37

Safety Instructions
1
Important Safety Instructions
When using this treadmill, basic precautions should always
be followed, including the following:
Read all instructions before using this treadmill.
Consult your physician before beginning any exercise
program.
Danger: To reduce the risk of electric shock, always unplug
this treadmill immediately after use and before cleaning.
Warning: to reduce the risk of burns, fire and electric shock
and injury to persons:
This treadmill should never be left unattended when plugged
in. Unplug it from the outlet when not in use and before any
service is performed.
Close supervision is necessary when this treadmill is being
used by or near children, invalids, or disabled persons.
Use this treadmill only for its intended use as described in
this manual.
Do not use attachments not recommended by the
manufacturer.
Never operate this treadmill if it has a damaged power cord
or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has been damaged
or dropped, or if it has been submerged in water. In these
cases, the treadmill should be examined by a qualified service
technician.
Use a dedicated 110 volt, alternating current (AC), 15 amp
three-prong grounded outlet.

Safety Instructions
2
Keep the power cord away from heated surfaces.
Never drop or insert any object into any opening.
To disconnect, turn the power switch to the OFF position,
then remove the plug from the outlet.
Do not allow animals on or near your treadmill.
Make sure the power cord has enough slack to allow the
treadmill to raise freely without being limited by the cord or
caught in the incline rack. Do not run the power cord under
treadmill.
Use the treadmill indoors only.
Never use your treadmill near water or while wet. Using the
treadmill around a pool, hot tub or sauna will void the
warranty.
Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used
or where oxygen is being administered.
Allow only trained personnel to service this equipment.
Keep the area under the treadmill free from obstruction, as
the deck will return to 0% grade when the safety key is
placed on console.
Avoid the possibility of bystanders being struck or caught
between moving parts by making sure that they are out of
reach of the treadmill while it is in motion.
Keep the space behind and on both sides of the treadmill
clear should you lose your balance.

Setting Up Your Treadmill
3
Allow only one person at a time on your machine.
Do not operate treadmill without the safety key attached to
the console and the lanyard clipped to your clothing at
approximately waist height.
Always straddle the treadbelt and allow the belt to begin
moving before stepping onto the belt.
Use extreme caution when stepping onto moving tread belt.
Some programs begin at speeds as high as 4.8 mph.
Gradually slow down the belt before stopping. This will
minimize the sensation of movement after you stop.
When making treadbelt adjustments, keep fingers, loose
clothing, jewelry, and long hair away from moving parts.
Setting Up Your Treadmill
Place your treadmill on a clean, level surface. Make sure the
electrical cord easily reaches a grounded three-pronged outlet
and has enough slack to allow the deck to incline without
tightening the cord. Do not allow the treadmill assembly to
rest on the cord.
Although your treadmill is designed to operate on most
carpeted surfaces, some deeply padded or heavy shag carpets
can cause damage. To prevent damage to your treadmill or
carpet, have someone stand on the deck and make sure the
treadmill belt doesn’t touch the carpet at any point.
Your treadmill is designed for indoor use only. Always keep
the control panel out of direct sunlight.

Setting Up Your Treadmill
4
Important Electrical Requirements
Your True treadmill requires a dedicated 110 volt,
alternating current (AC), 15 amp grounded outlet circuit.
This means nothing else can be plugged into the same power
circuit. Most household power circuits are rated for this
110VAC 15-amp requirement, but you must ensure the
treadmill does not share the circuit with anything else.
Danger: Do not use an extension cord or an ungrounded
outlet. The ground helps prevent electrical damage to your
treadmill and enhances your safety by preventing shock.
Check with a qualified electrician or serviceman if you are in
doubt as to whether the treadmill is properly grounded. Do
not modify the plug provided with the treadmill – if it will
not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified
electrician.
A grounded outlet is critical for the Heart Rate Control
system to function properly.

Assembly
Hardware Kit:
1. Safety key
2. 5mm T-handle hex key
3. 5mm hex key/Philips screwdriver
4. 3mm hex key
5. 2mm hex key
6. 8mm x 15mm hex screws (4)
7. 8mm x 50mm hex screws (2)
8. 6mm x 15mm hex screws (4)
9. handrail clamps (2)
Step 1: Carefully unpack treadmill and check that all
hardware is present as shown.
Step 2: Remove motor cover by taking out the six screws
with Philips screwdriver.
Step 3: The upper wiring harness is tucked into the bottom
of the right pedestal leg. Lay the pedestal on the treadmill as
shown on page 6.
Assembly
5

Detach the rubber band from the upper wiring harness and
route the cable down the pedestal leg support and out the
bottom hole as shown.
Step 4: Tilt the pedestal up and slide it down the pedestal
supports, being careful not to pull out the upper wiring
harness. Plug the upper wiring harness into the motor
controller. Install the four 5mm x 15mm screws into the
pedestal legs.
Assembly
6

Treadbelt Adjustment
7
Do not tighten any pedestal or handrail screws until
instructed.
Step 5: The proper side of each handrail is designated by a
label. Install the handrails by sliding over the handrail stub
next to the handlebar. Install two 2mm x 15mm screws at the
top of each handrail. Install one 8mm x 50mm screw through
the handrail clamp and into the bottom of the handrail as
shown. Tighten all pedestal and handrail screws.
Step 6: Reinstall the motor cover using the Philips
screwdriver. Place the safety key on the circle labeled Safety
Key on the console.
Treadbelt Adjustment
Your treadmill’s running belt has been properly aligned at
the factory. However, when the treadmill is used on an
uneven surface, please follow these instructions:

Treadbelt Adjustment
8
1. Stand beside the treadmill, place the safety key onto the
control panel and follow operating instructions for running
the treadmill at 5 mph.
2. If the belt is off-center to the right, turn the left roller
adjustment bolt counter clock-wise 1/4 turn. If the belt is
off-center to the left, turn the left roller adjustment bolt 1/4
turn clockwise.
3. Let the machine run for several minutes to check the
alignment. (Belt alignment does not need to be perfect). If
more correction is needed, turn the adjustment bolt 1/4 turn
and check again.
Treadbelt Tension
To assure maximum life of the treadbelt, roller and drive
motor, make sure the treadbelt tension is set correctly. (Your
treadbelt has been properly tensioned at the factory.)
Turn both rear roller adjustment bolts counter-clockwise
until treadbelt just begins slipping when walking on it, then
turn both rear roller adjustment bolts clockwise in equal
quarter turn increments until treadbelt stops slipping.
Note: Be sure to run on treadbelt to ensure that the
treadbelt does not slip while under load.

9
Control Panel Functions
(400 HRC Shown)
Distance Grade Time Speed Pace Calories
Miles traveled in 0.1 mile Incline in percent grade Elapsed time. Can also Miles per hour in Time per mile at Estimated total increments up to 9.99 miles, in 0.5% increments. be set to count down. 0.10 increments. current speed. calories burned. or 0.10 mile increments past 10 miles. Can also be set to count down.
Safety Key Removable magnetic key must be in place for treadmill to operate.
Grade Up/Down Stop/Pause Speed Slow/Fast Select/Enter Adjusts incline. Also Stops the belt and pauses Adjusts speed in 0.1 mph Accepts workout used to choose programs workout. If held for 5 increments. Also used to parameters, and toggles and to set distance in seconds, resets all work- set weight and other the dual function count down mode. out information. workout parameters. displays.
Start/Reset Starts the belt in motion. Also resets workout data when held for 3 seconds.
METS Emergency expenditure rate.

10
Basic Treadmill Operation
Basic Treadmill Operation
Starting Your Treadmill Safely
Straddle the treadbelt by placing your feet on the straddle
covers.
Attach the lanyard to your clothing at about waist height.
Place the safety key on the key holder on the console.
Set your weight using the keys and press .
Press the key for a quick start into a manual control
workout, or press the key to begin setting up a
different workout, as described in later sections.
Stopping Your Treadmill Safely
Slow the treadmill to below 2 mph using the key.
Press .
Setting Your Weight
Your body weight must be entered so that the treadmill
accurately estimates your calorie expenditure. This weight
must include your workout clothing, too, which typically
adds about three pounds. The treadmill will work fine
without your weight setting, but will be unable to calculate
your calories. When you are setting your weight, it is
displayed in the Time Window.
Your treadmill will remember the last weight you entered.

Basic Treadmill Operation
11
A Note About Calorie Expenditure Calculations
True treadmills use the calorie expenditure formula as
described in Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription
from the American College of Sports Medicine. This is the
most widely accepted formula for running and walking.
Due to variations in human exercise efficiency, your actual
calorie expenditure may vary by as much as 10% from the
treadmill’s estimate.
Monitoring Your Heart Rate (HRC model only)
The 400HRC treadmill can monitor your heart rate when you
wear the transmitter strap provided. It will display it as a
digital beats-per-minute (bpm) readout, and it is very
accurate, typically within two beats per minute. Your heart
rate is good feedback on your effort level. See the Target
Heart Rate chart on page 29 for more information.
Although your treadmill functions fine without using the
heart rate monitoring feature, this kind of monitoring gives
you valuable feedback on your effort level. It also allows you
to use the most advanced training system available on a
treadmill: True’s Heart Rate Control, where the treadmill
automatically adjusts your workout level based on your heart
rate. See the Heart Rate Control section of this manual for
details.
Using the Heart Rate Transmitter
Strap
The transmitter strap should be
worn directly against your skin,
about one inch below the pectoral
muscles/breast line.

Quick Reference Operating Instructions
12
Women should be careful to place the transmitter below their
bra line.
Some moisture is necessary between the strap and your skin.
Sweat from your exercise works best, but ordinary tap water
may be used prior to your workout if desired.
The Treadmill’s Heart Rate Display
Before you start your workout, as you stand on or near the
treadmill, you will know the treadmill is properly receiving
your heart rate signal by the flashing heart-shaped “METS”
LED beneath the Heart Rate window.
Once you start your workout, your heart rate will be
displayed in beats per minute.
Quick Reference Operating Instructions
For a Manually-Controlled Workout:
Press for a Quick Start. The treadmill belt will start
moving at 0.5 mph.
Adjust Speed Using Keys
Adjust Grade Using Keys
To Use Pre-Set Programs:
Set Your Weight Using Keys
Press
Scroll To Desired Program Using Keys

Manual Operation
13
Set Program Level Using Keys
Press
Set Time Using Keys (15:00-99:00 Minutes)
Press
Manual Operation
For a Quick Start, simply press . The treadmill belt will
start moving at 0.5 mph.
Note: Confirm that the body weight setting is correct as
displayed in the Time window. If it is not, adjust it with
the keys and press .
Adjust speed using keys, and adjust grade using
keys.
To stop or pause your workout: slow machine to below 2
mph by pressing , then press . This will stop the
treadmill and save your workout information. To restart your
workout, press .
To reset distance, time, and calories during your workout:
Press and hold until zeros appear in the time,
distance, calorie windows. To reset treadmill back to
workout setup mode, press and hold .

Programmed Workouts
14
Making Time and/or Distance Count Down instead of Up
After adjusting your weight if necessary, press twice
or until the lights in the time and distance windows flash.
Press to set distance and to set time. When you
press , time and distance will begin counting down.
When the time or distance reaches zero, the treadbelt will
continue to move and whichever readout reached zero (time
or distance) will begin counting up. No other readouts will
reset.
Programmed Workouts
Confirm that the body weight setting is correct as displayed
in the center window. If it is not, adjust it with the
keys. Press
Press to select a program.
Select a level using
Press
After program and level have been selected, set time using
keys (15:00-99:00 minutes)
Press to begin.

To stop or pause your workout: slow machine to below 2
mph by pressing then press . This will stop the
program and save your workout information. To restart a
program, press . To end your workout, press
and remove the safety key.
To reset distance, time, and calories during your workout:
press and hold until the readout is reset. To reset
treadmill back to workout setup mode, press and hold
.
To change level or program during workout: press and hold
until program and level information shows in the
Time window. Press keys to change level, keys to
change program, then press . If a new program is
selected, it will join that program at the same point as the
previously selected program.
Recall accumulated data (at end of work out) by pressing
.
Note: All workouts (programs) are able to be set from 15:00 -
99:00 minutes. Default value (if no time entered) is 30:00
minutes. When timer reaches 0:00 it will beep and begin
counting up. You must press to end your workout.
Programmed Workouts
15

User Programs
16
User Programs
During a manually-controlled workout, your 400 treadmill
always "records" the changes you make in speed or incline.
This recording can be saved as a User Program that you can
"play back" to use as custom-designed workouts.
Up to 50 changes in speed or incline can be recorded. Each
speed/incline pair of changes must be separated by at least
30 seconds.
To save a manual workout, press as you normally
would to end your workout. Now press and hold until
the display shows Save User 1.
You can save your workout in User 1, or press to select
User 2. Press and hold to save the workout program
you have selected.
To use a User Program that you have saved, simply select it
from the list of programs as described in "Programmed
Workouts" in the previous section.
Heart Rate Control Workout
True’s patented heart rate control workout allows you to
limit both speed and grade for your safety and comfort. The
treadmill adjusts both to keep you at your desired target
heart rate, and it remembers these setup parameters for your
next workout.
Before selecting a target heart rate control workout, it is
important to use the treadmill for several workouts in the
manual mode while monitoring your heart rate.

After you have spent some time learning how your heart
responds to different levels of speed and grade, you will have
a better understanding of how to select the maximum speed
and maximum grade required to reach your target heart rate.
Consult your physician to determine your target heart rate.
See “Heart Rate Control Important Points” for some useful
tips on using the HRC system.
How the HRC system controls your heart rate:
To raise your heart rate in the HRC mode, speed will always
increase until maximum speed is attained, followed by grade
(if grade is used in the workout).
To lower heart rate in the HRC mode, grade will always
decrease until zero grade is reached, followed by speed (if
grade is used in the workout).
Speed changes are in 0.1 mph increments. Grade changes are
in 0.5% grade increments. This is equal to between 0.10 and
0.15 METs.
NOTE: The heart rate control workout stores your workout
parameters once you have completed an HRC workout.
You do not need to enter all parameters each time you use
the HRC workout.
HRC Workout Setup
After entering weight, press . Press keys to
scroll to the HRC workout, and press .
Adjust the target heart rate to your desired target using the
, then press .
Heart Rate Control Workout
17