USING HYDRAULICS TO SELECT THE RATE OF MOTION
Beginners and individuals who are deconditioned may use the hydraulics to control the rate
of motion or speed of the exercise. The hydraulic control knob is located at the bottom of the
control console. Clockwise rotation of the control knob, (to the right), slows the rate of
motion. Counter-clockwise rotation of the control knob, (to the left), increases the rate of
motion. The rate of motion, (slower/faster), may be changed without stopping any time during
exercise. Start with the speed control knob fully rotated clockwise and gradually increase the
climb rate to the desired speed by turning the control knob in the counter-clockwise direction.
To use the hydraulic control as a low level exercise, turn the hydraulic control knob fully in
the clockwise direction. Transfer weight from one foot to the other to cause the machine to
move at the slow preset rate. Then, gradually turn the knob to climb at the desired speed.
Do not try to push or pull the foot pedals or hand grips to cause the machine to move faster
then it does by weight transference. Once again, take strokes that are comfortable.
Common rates in this mode are between 20 and 30 feet per minute.
STAIR STEPPING
The VersaClimber provides the ability to perform variable height and variable speed stair
stepping exercises for the lower body only. The hand rails, located about waist high, are
used to grasp and thus stabilize the upper body while stepping with the legs only. The upper
body is maintained in an erect stationary position while the legs and hips perform a lower
body stepping exercise. The foot straps also allow the user to perform a leg lift exercise while
stepping, not available on single purpose stepping machines.
By holding the hand rails in front of you or to the side of your body and stepping with legs
only, the buttocks, front and back of the thighs, calves, and shins can achieve a complete
lower body aerobic and strength workout. Stair stepping is recommended for beginners
before they attempt a full body climbing exercise and can be performed in any mode of operation.
Heart rate can be increased or decreased while stepping by increasing or decreasing step
rate and stroke length.
Set the rate of motion desired with the hydraulic control knob. To perform a leg lift exercise,
use the stirrups and lift with one leg while stepping down with the other leg and alternate.
Page 13
NOTE:
ALX models are
fixed resistance
and do not feature
a variable tension
control knob.
