CHAPTER 4: PROGRAMMING & OPERATION
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HEART RATE CONTROL (HRC):
Introduction:
You are now the owner of the most sophisticated Heart Rate Control treadmill available. TRUE HRC is unique and
patented. It accommodates users from rehabilitation to world class athletes, and all those in between. TRUE HRC allows
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 beginning the HRC workout. As users approach their target heart
rate, the treadmill’s computer automatically takes over and changes the speed and/or incline automatically to keep users
near their target heart rate. This allows for a completely “hands free” workout.
*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 heart rate control (HRC) workouts let the treadmill 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 treadmill 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 treadmill is in full Manual Control mode. Users should gradually increase the
workout intensity to slowly raise their heart rate to within 10 beats per minute (bpm) of their target heart rate. The
treadmill 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 allows the body to adapt to the workout. Increasing the workout intensity gradually will allow the user to enter
the heart rate control stage without overshooting their target, keeping their heart rate within a few bpm of their target.
*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.
