Life Fitness 8500 User Manual

TM

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M051-00K20-A121

8/98

1

Before using your Lifecycle exercise bike, it is essential that you read this
ENTIRE operation manual and ALL instructions.

It will help you set up your Lifecycle exercise bike quickly and give
instructions on how to use it correctly.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy,
and if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in
which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own
expense.

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications to this
equipment could void your product warranty!

Any service, other than cleaning or user maintenance, must be performed by
an authorized service representative. There are no user serviceable parts.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Description Page

1. Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

1.1 Important Safety Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

1.2 How to Stabilize the Lifecycle®Exercise Bike. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

1.3 How to Adjust the Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

1.4 How to Adjust the Footstraps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

1.5 Optional Settings for the Lifecycle Exercise Bike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2. The Display Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2.1 Display Console Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2.2 Console Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Elapsed Time Window
Data Entry Window
Data Entry Zone
Program Profile Window
Summary Instructions
Speed Window
Feedback Window

3. Heart Rate Zone Training. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3.1 Why Heart Rate Zone Training? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3.2 Heart Rate Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

The Lifepulse®Digital Heart Rate Sensors
The Optional Heart Rate Chest Strap

4. The Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4.1 Program Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

The Programs Step by Step

4.2 Program Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

To Begin a Lifecycle Exercise Bike Workout
Manual
Random
Hill
Fat Burn
Cardio
Fit Test

4.3 How to Maximize Workouts on the Lifecycle Exercise Bike . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Selecting the Correct Intensity Level

4.4 Watts / METS Programmability Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

4.5 Race Option. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

5. Service and Technical Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

5.1 Preventive Maintenance Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

5.2 How to Solve Basic Operating Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

5.3 Troubleshooting the Optional Heart Rate Chest Strap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

5.4 How to Obtain Product Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

5.5 Lifecycle Exercise Bike Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

© 1998 Brunswick Corporation. 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. Life Fitness, Lifecycle and Lifepulse are registered
trademarks, and Heart Rate Zone Training is a trademark of Brunswick Corporation. Polar is a registered trademark of
Polar. Any use of these trademarks, without the express written consent of Life Fitness or the corresponding companies is
forbidden.

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This Operation Manual describes the functions of the following products:

Lifecycle exercise bikes

8500

8500HR

8500R

See “Specifications” page in this manual for product specific features.

4

GETTING STARTED

GETTING STARTED

1

1

1.1 Important Safety Instructions

Always follow the console instructions for proper operation.
Close supervision is necessary when used by or near children, invalids or disabled persons.
Never operate a Life Fitness exercise bike if it has been dropped, damaged, or even partially

immersed in water. Contact Life Fitness Customer Support Services for assistance.
Never insert objects into any opening in your Lifecycle exercise bike. If an object should

drop inside, carefully retrieve it. If you cannot reach the item, contact Life Fitness Customer
Support Services.

Never place liquids of any type directly on the unit, except in an accessory tray. Containers
with lids are recommended.

Do not use the Lifecycle exercise bike outdoors, near swimming pools or in areas of
high humidity.

Do not use the Lifecycle exercise bike in areas where aerosol spray products are being
used or where oxygen is being administered. Such substances increase the danger of
combustion and explosion.

Keep all loose clothing, shoelaces, and towels away from the Lifecycle exercise bike pedals.
Keep the area around your Lifecycle exercise bike clear of any obstructions, including

walls and furniture.
Always be careful and exercise caution when mounting or dismounting your Lifecycle

exercise bike. Use the handlebar whenever additional stability is required.
Wear shoes with rubber or high-traction soles. Do not use shoes with heels,leather soles,

cleats or spikes. Do not use the bike in your bare feet.
Do not tip the Lifecycle exercise bike on its side during operation.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

Life Fitness STRONGLY recommends that if you are undertaking an exercise program
please 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, pain, or shortness of
breath, stop immediately.

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1.2 How to Stabilize the Lifecycle Exercise Bike

Depending on the surface on which the Lifecycle exercise bike is placed, it may need to be
stabilized. After you place the bike where you will primarily use it, check the stability of the
bike by attempting to rock it back and forth. If it rocks, it is not stable. To stabilize it, rotate
the foot on the stabilizer bar that appears to be higher counter-clockwise (as viewed from
above) with your finger until the bike is level. Tighten the locknut.

6

How to Adjust the Seat

A properly adjusted seat is extremely important in any bike-oriented exercise activity and
the Lifecycle exercise bike is no exception. If the seat is too close, excessive strain will be
placed on the knees and quadriceps muscles; if the seat is too far, the resulting reaching
action will irritate the feet, ankles, hips and knees.

Sit on the seat and place the balls of your feet on the pedals. An optimum position will allow
you to move through the bottom of the stroke without locking your knees or shifting in the
seat (your knees should have a slight bend at the point of fullest leg extension).

Upright Exercise Bikes:

If the seat needs to be adjusted,
dismount the bike and pull the spring­loaded adjusting pin located on the back
of the seat post (or pull out the adjusting
pin located on the front of the seat post).
Slide the seat post up or down as
necessary to the proper position and
release the pin to complete engagement.
Check the seat height again and readjust
it if necessary.

Recumbent Exercise Bikes:

If the seat needs to be adjusted, lift the spring-loaded
adjusting handle located on the right, front side of the seat.
Slide the seat forward or backward as necessary to the
proper position and release the pin to complete engagement.
Gently slide the seat forward and backward a small distance
to ensure it is locked into place. Check the seat distance
again and re-adjust it if necessary.

Do not attempt to adjust the seat while you are pedaling the bike. Doing
so or failing to insert the seat pin completely may result in an
uncomfortable workout or cause injury.

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1.4 How to Adjust the Footstraps

The pedals on the Lifecycle exercise bike have footstraps with slits on both the inside and
the outside of each strap. To adjust the size of the straps, grasp the outside of the strap and
pull down and away from the knob. Once the slotted end is removed, choose a size that will
feel the most comfortable while riding, reinsert the knob through the slot and pull the strap
up. The knob will click when it locks in place.

Do not attempt to adjust the pedal footstraps while you are pedaling the
bike. Doing so may result in an uncomfortable workout or cause injury.

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1.5 Optional Settings for the Lifecycle Exercise Bike

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The maximum program time option allows the maximum program time to be changed from
the default maximum time limit of 60 minutes to anywhere from 1 to 99 minutes. Altering the
maximum program time will affect all programs except the Fit Test. To change the Lifecycle
exercise bike’s maximum program time, proceed as follows:

All LEDs and 7-segment displays will be illuminated when you enter Diagnostic State 1. The
maximum program time default settings are located in Diagnostic State 5. Each time you
press the ENTER key you will advance one diagnostic state. Continue to advance to
Diagnostic State 5.

Maximum Program Time

1. Press and hold the 5 key on the numeric keypad.

2. Begin pedaling, then press START.

3. When you reach Diagnostic State 5, the current MAXIMUM PROGRAM
TIME setting will be displayed. The factory set default maximum program
time is 60 minutes.

4. Use the 1 key to decrease the MAXIMUM PROGRAM TIME or the 3 key to
increase the MAXIMUM PROGRAM TIME.

5. To exit the Diagnostic States, press the CLEAR / PAUSE key repeatedly until
you return to the user display. The user display is the initial display console
you see when you approach the unit for normal operation.

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Follow steps 1, 2 and 3 as listed above to reach Diagnostic State 5 and continue with Step
4 as listed below.

English / Metric toggle

4. Press the ENTER key two more times to reach Diagnostic State 7. This state
indicates the display console default setting of English or Metric units.

When the default is set to English units of measurement, it will read ‘E’ in the
upper right window of the display console.

When the default is set to Metric units of measurement, it will read ‘9’ in the
upper right window of the display console.

5. To exit the Diagnostic States, press the CLEAR / PAUSE key repeatedly
until you return to the SELECT PROGRAM state (all program LED’s will
be flashing).

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THE DISPLAY CONSOLE

2

2

2.1 Display Console Overview

The Lifecycle exercise bike’s display console is easy to use and it allows you to follow
progress as you ride. The on-board computer lets you tailor workouts to individual fitness
capabilities and goals while providing a unique means of measuring fitness improvement
from one workout to the next.

THE DISPLAY CONSOLE

A

G

B

F

D

C

E

2.2 Console Descriptions

Elapsed Time Window

A

ELAPSED TIME WINDOW: Shows the riding time selected in the Manual, Random, Hill, Fat

Burn and Cardio heart rate management programs and the total elapsed time of the
workout. When the CLEAR / PAUSE key is pressed, the display functions as a stopwatch
(you must continue pedaling). For additional information see Operating Instructions and
Program Descriptions.

Data Entry Window

B

DATA ENTRY WINDOW: Displays most data prompts and inputs the effort level chosen

(which remains displayed throughout the workout, except in the Fit Test program or when
Watts or METS workouts are selected). Your actual and target heart rates also will be
displayed here when using the Lifepulse grips or wearing the optional heart rate monitor
chest strap (depending on Lifecycle model).

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C

Data Entry Zone

DATA ENTRY ZONE: Allows information pertinent to the program selected to be entered.

PROGRAM SELECT:

you press the PROGRAM SELECT key, an LED light will move from left to right
to the next program option. When the program you want is displayed press
ENTER or wait 10 seconds and your choice will be automatically entered.

START: Activates the display console once you begin pedaling and is then
inactive for the remainder of the workout.

ENTER: Actually executes the input of any information keyed in. It is not necessary
to press ENTER when keying in a new effort level.

RACE ON / OFF: Lets you toggle in and out of the Race mode at any time in
the Manual, Random and Hill programs. The Speed / RPM display will toggle
between RPMs and MPH / KPH every five seconds. The MPH / KPH will be
dependent on the pedal speed and the level chosen. See the Race Option
inset later in this manual.

CLEAR / PAUSE:

This key will also put your workout program on hold or restart it. To put a workout
on hold, press the key once and continue pedaling (remember, pedaling powers
the machine; if you stop pedaling, all power is lost and the display will go blank).
Pedal resistance drops to the minimum when the
paused and the stopwatch function is activated and the elapsed time window
begins counting up from zero. Use this as a brief rest period if you feel fatigued
or to take your heart rate. Resume the workout by pressing ENTER once, or end
the workout by pressing CLEAR/PAUSE twice.

This is where to select the workout program. Each time

Use this key to clear data before pressing the ENTER key.

Lifecycle

exercise bike is

NUMERIC KEYS:

Heart Rate or Fit Test data. You can select a workout duration of anywhere from
1 to 99†minutes. You also enter a different resistance level than your current
level, a different target heart rate for the Fat Burn and Cardio programs, or Fit
Test data such as age, gender or weight via the numeric keypad.

WATTS (0) and METS (8): This key allows you to view your workout results in
Watts or METS. (For more information on Watts and METS please see Watts /
METS Programmability Option.)

†

60 minutes is the factory setting for the Maximum Program Duration. To increase or decrease the Maximum Program
Duration see the Optional Settings for the Lifecycle exercise bike section.

Use these keys to enter riding time, level of difficulty and

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