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CHAPTER 3: PROGRAMMING & OPERATION
HEART RATE CONTROL (HRC):
Introduction:
You are now the owner of the most sophisticated Heart Rate Control (HRC) workout technology available. TRUE HRC is
unique and patented. It accommodates users from rehabilitation to world class athletes, and all those in between. TRUE
HRC enables users to do a completely hands-free heart rate controlled workout using speed, incline, or both. By training
at a specific target heart rate, users can exercise at a more efficient cardiovascular level.
The TRUE HRC system is unique because users must enter the key parameters of the workout; target heart rate, maximum
speed, maximum incline, and time, prior to starting the HRC workout. As users approach their target heart rate, the
machine’s computer automatically takes over and changes the speed and/or incline automatically to keep them near their
target heart rate. This enables for a completely hands-free workout.
Note: A Polar® compatible heart rate monitoring chest strap should be worn during HRC workouts. For increased safety
and accuracy, contact heart rate monitoring is not recommended for HRC workouts.
Target Heart Rate:
TRUE’s HRC workouts let the machine monitor relative exercise intensity by way of the user’s heart rate, then
automatically adjust the speed and incline to keep the user at their target heart rate and thus their desired exercise
intensity. Heart rate is a good measure of the body’s exercise stress level. It reflects differences in physical condition,
fatigue, the comfort of the workout environment, even diet and emotional state. Users should compare their heart rate
with how they feel to ensure safety and comfort.
Consult a Physician to Determine Target Heart Rate:
Using heart rate to control a workout takes the guesswork out of the workout settings. Consult a physician before using
heart-rate controlled workouts for advice on selecting a target heart rate range. Also, it is important to use the machine for
several workouts in the manual mode while monitoring heart rate. Users should compare their heart rate with how they
feel to ensure safety and comfort. After users have spent some time learning how their heart responds to different levels
of speed and incline, they will have a better understanding of how to select the maximum speed and maximum incline
required for reaching their target heart rate.
Warm Up:
At the beginning of an HRC workout, the machine is in full Manual Control mode. Users should gradually increase the
workout intensity to slowly raise their heart rate to within 10 bpm of their target heart rate. The machine will operate as
if in manual mode during the warm up stage. Users control both speed and incline. The user may only increase speed
and incline to the present maximum values entered. It is important that the user starts at a low level of perceived exertion
and gradually increase the workout intensity over several minutes until they approach their target heart rate. This enables
the body to adapt to the workout. Increasing the workout intensity gradually will enable the user to enter the HRC stage
without overshooting their target, keeping their heart rate within a few bpm of their target.
Note: Warming up too fast may cause the user to overshoot their target. If this occurs it may take several minutes before
the computer software can control their heart rate. Users may overshoot and undershoot for several minutes until control
is achieved.
Heart Rate Control Stage:
Heart Rate Controlled workouts take control of speed and incline, keeping the user’s heart rate within a few bpm of their
target. When using the Interval HRC Workout, the machine alternates between work and rest intervals.
Cooldown:
At the end of the workout time or distance, the machine reduces the workout intensity by half and goes back into Manual
Control mode, where users directly control their cooldown.
